Troy Parrott Scores Brace in AZ Alkmaar's 2-1 Win

Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott scored twice as AZ Alkmaar secured a 2-1 victory over Sparta Prague in the first leg of their UEFA Europa Conference League round-of-16 tie on Thursday night at the AFAS Stadion in Alkmaar, Netherlands.

The 24-year-old Dubliner opened the scoring in the 28th minute with a precise left-footed finish. Collecting a pass from teammate RoZangelo Daal on the left side of the penalty area, Parrott created space with a quick turn before rifling the ball high into the net past Sparta goalkeeper Jakub Surovcik. Sparta equalized early in the second half when Matyas Vojta converted a scuffed shot from Andy Irving five minutes after the restart. AZ dominated possession and chances thereafter, and Parrott restored their lead in the 87th minute. His initial right-footed effort was saved by Surovcik, but Daal's follow-up cross found the forward, who improvised a volley with his right thigh from close range to seal the win. A VAR review confirmed the goal.

The result gives AZ a slender advantage ahead of the second leg next Thursday at the Epet Arena in Prague. Parrott's brace ended a four-game club goal drought and raised his tally to 26 goals in 38...