Alkmaar, Netherlands — Troy Parrott delivered a match-winning brace as AZ Alkmaar edged Sparta Prague in UEFA Conference League competition at AFAS Stadion. The Irish forward opened the scoring before Sparta Prague leveled, only for Parrott to strike again deep into the second half to seal the victory for the Dutch side.
Parrott gave AZ the lead in the 29th minute, putting the hosts in control early in the contest. Sparta Prague responded after the break, with Matyás Vojta pulling the visitors level in the 50th minute to reset the contest. The Czech side looked capable of holding on for a point, but Parrott had other ideas, converting a crucial 87th-minute finish to restore AZ's advantage and secure all three points.
GOALS:- 29' Troy Parrott - AZ Alkmaar- 50' Matyás Vojta - Sparta Prague- 87' Troy Parrott - AZ Alkmaar
STANDOUT PLAYERS:- AZ Alkmaar: Troy Parrott - 2 goals, including decisive 87th-minute winner- Sparta Prague: Matyás Vojta - equalizing goal kept Sparta in contention
KEY STAT: Troy Parrott's 87th-minute winner was AZ Alkmaar's second goal from the Irish forward, both proving decisive in a narrow one-goal victory in Conference League play.