Shelbourne 0-3 Crystal Palace: UEFA Conference League result as Christantus Uche, Eddie Nketiah and Yeremy Pino net in convincing win

Crystal Palace moved closer to a top-eight qualification spot in the UEFA Conference League by running out 3-0 winners against Irish side Shelbourne in Dublin.

After losing two of their opening four UEFA Conference League ties, Palace needed a victory to boost their chances of avoiding an extra play-off tie for finishing outside the top eight.

Despite the wet conditions and a soft pitch, Palace produced a clinical display from the outset.

The Premier League side showed their sharpness on 11 minutes when a swift passing move resulted in Eddie Nketiah pulling the ball back for strike partner Christantus Uche, who netted on his first start for the club.

Uche then turned provider in unlikely fashion after his 26th-minute effort hit the post for Nketiah to net the rebound.

Yeremy Pino was involved in both of the opening goals and rounded off the first half display by parting the home defence and sliding home a third goal.

Palace continued to press for further goals in the second half, and Romain Esse came closest but watched his effort hit both posts before the goalkeeper gathered.

Palace host Finish side Kuopion Palloseura in their final group game, knowing that a win should be enough to seal them a top eight qualification spot.

Crystal Palace head coach Oliver Glasner praised his side for their high tempo during a dominant 3-0 victory against Shelbourne.

He told TNT Sports: "A credit to the players, to the team, and for attitude today.

"The pitch was not really the best condition, weather, then you are playing against a team who wants to show up.

"I think we play a very good game, in the first half we scored nice goals, and also in the second half.

"We spoke at half-time to keep the pace high, and we created many chances. Unfortunately, we missed a few and were a little bit unlucky.

"I think it was against a team that defended so deep, I think it was our best game, creating so many chances, scoring three goals and having a clean sheet. A very good night for us."

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Crystal Palace forward Eddie Nketiah is happy to be back scoring goals after missing several games last month with a hamstring injury.

He told TNT Sports: "It’s always nice to get on the score-sheet, it’s always nice to get a win. It was really good from the boys.

"I think we started really strongly, which was important and we are happy to get the three points.

"I thank god for being able to be back on the pitch. I had a small injury the season, so really grateful to be back out there.

"I love to score goals, whether it's a tap in the screamer. I'm just happy to be scoring goals and winning games."

A professional display by Crystal Palace this evening takes them up ninth position and just a point outside the top eight positions.

A win in their final group game at home to Finish side Kuopion Palloseura should seal them a place in the next round and avoid the play-offs.

That’s full-time and Crystal Palace run out comfortable 3-0 victors following an utterly dominant display.

Shelbourne almost have a late consolation goal. A lapse in concentration allows Kelly into the box. However, the Palace goalkeeper is out quick to save his close-range shot.

Esse is far too quick for the home defence who are tugging and pulling at his shirt before he is dragged down right on the edge of the box. Wilson is booked for the challenge

However, Sosa can only hit his free-kick into the wall. Sherbourne break only for Sosa to come in with a perfect challenge to stifle the move.

Two minutes to be added on

The forward tries his luck from range. His effort was always sailing over the bar of goalkeeper Benitez who has been rarely challenge this evening.

The young midfielder is helped as he limps off the pitch. He is replaced by another youngster in the form of Casey.

Wood off for Chapman; Mbeng off for Temple.

A brief moment of encouragement for a tired Shelbourne side. Kelly is played through and has Richards to beat. However, within moments he is surrounded by four Palace shirts and no team-mates in support.

The home side take on skipper Coyle and introduce Gannon.

Uche picks up the ball and finds team-mate Esse. The Palace forward rattles his effort against one post and then the other before somehow the ball stays out.

Moments later Uche has the goal at his mercy after running through on goal, but steered over when he looked destined to score.

The Palace forward is rested for another day and on comes Clyne.

The Palace player found out earlier today that he hasn’t made the Nigeria side for the AFCON tournament later this month. He looks a man on a mission tonight that’s for sure.

There are great hopes for youngster Esse. He shows a glimpse of what others have seen. The forward looked to have run himself into trouble before finding his team-mate with a delicate back-heel.

Wilson is on for Ledwidge; Martin is replaced by Kelly 

Nketiah pulls the ball back into the box for the young striker. However, Esse fails to get a clean contact and his effort flies harmlessly wide.

Hughes found the striker inside the box who turns his marker and then shoots from a narrow angle. Goalkeeper Speel does just enough to help the ball into the side-netting.

From the resulting corner Richards flicks his header over the crossbar after only making a slight contact.