Even though embarking on their maiden European adventure, Crystal Palace are adapting at a rapid pace. Missing key players like forward Jean-Philippe Mateta and defender Daniel Muñoz, the London club departed Dublin with a commanding win that all but secures them a place in the Conference League playoffs.
Another three points in their upcoming fixture against Finnish KuPS ought to be enough to seal straight entry to the knockout stages, particularly following a previous setback against Strasbourg.
This occasion offered a chance for several Palace's lesser-used players to shine. Christantus Uche, in only his second beginning since arriving on loan from Getafe, notched the account with a well-taken goal. Striker Eddie Nketiah added a another, finding the net for the second game in succession.
A Shelbourne team that had finished their domestic season were no match even for a largely second-string Palace lineup. The Londoners were further weakened by the news that Mateta and Muñoz are out with knee problems.
In spite of torrential rain in Dublin, Palace quickly established dominance. A flowing move in the 11th minute, sparked by Daichi Kamada's incisive pass, let Nketiah to set up Uche for a straightforward tap-in.
Midfielder Adam Wharton went close soon after, fizzing a powerful effort over the bar. Nketiah subsequently claimed for a penalty after bursting into the box, but the official waved away the appeals.
Ex-Arsenal man didn't need to wait long to find his goal, tapping home from close range after Uche's shot had struck the post.
The home side were clinging on for dear life. Defender Kameron Ledwidge was lucky to escape a booking for a couple of robust challenges on Yeremy Pino, before Chris Richards rattled the crossbar with a powerful header from a corner.
The match was effectively over eight minutes from half-time. Yeremy Pino weaved past a series of weak challenges before coolly slotting a shot past goalkeeper Wessel Speel to make it 3-0.
After the break, coach Oliver Glasner seized the opportunity to rest key individuals like Kamada and Wharton. Replacement Romain Esse came close to scoring with his first touch, only to see his shot blocked.
The youngster was incredibly unlucky later on, seeing one shot crash off both posts before being clasped on the line. Uche also blazed a sitter of a chance, showing there is still room for improvement in his game.
A solitary concern for Palace was a second-half knock to Justin Devenny, who was forced off. This allowed 17-year-old striker Benji Casey to make his senior debut, capping an otherwise positive night for the traveling side.
Elena Hartwell is a multidisciplinary artist and educator passionate about fostering creative communities in London.