Troy Parrott hits match winner for AZ Alkmaar in Europa League

The 22-year-old has scored five goals in seven games for the Dutch club this season. 

ON FIRE: Alkmaar's Irish forward Troy Parrott celebrates scoring his team's winning goal teammate Ruben van Bommel during the Europa League match against IF Elsborg. Picture: BART STOUTJESDIJK/ANP/AFP via Getty Images

Troy Parrott hit a 74th minute match winner from the penalty spot as AZ Alkmaar beat Elfsborg 3-2 in the Europa League on Wednesday night. 

The Ireland international coolly slotted the kick into the bottom left-hand corner before celebrating enthusiastically in front of the Dutch side's supporters. 'Parrott's on fire' rang out in the stands after the goal. 

The Swedish visitors had taken a 23rd minute lead through Timothy Ouma but AZ hit back just before half-time through Reuben van Bommell. Five minute after the break, the 20-year-old forward doubled his tally and gave his side the lead. That lasted just three minutes until Simon Hedlund got Elfsborg level again. 

Parrott got the chance to put his side ahead after Ahmed Qasem barged into the back of Jayden Addai inside the penalty area. Elfsborg's Sebastian Holmen was shown a straight red card in the 86th for scything down the Dubliner.

Parrott now has five goals in seven games for AZ this season, four of those coming in a 9-1 Eredivise victory over Heerenveen earlier this month. 

The 22-year-old joined AZ from Spurs during the summer. He had spent last season on loan at Excelsior, another Dutch side. 

Troy Parrott makes it 3-2! 🙌

The Irishman converts the pressure penalty to give AZ the lead, and "Parrott's on Fire" rings out from the stands 🔥 pic.twitter.com/fSGkSFPJ2G

— Premier Sports Ireland (@PremSportsIRL) September 25, 2024