Europa League: Troy Parrott the hero again for AZ Alkmaar

Republic of Ireland attacker Troy Parrott struck the winner from the penalty spot as AZ Alkmaar beat Swedish side Elfsborg 3-2 in their Europa League opener.

Parrott has been in superb form for AZ Alkmaar, netting four times in six league games, and is the joint-second top goalscorer in the Eredivisie.

He added another goal to his seasonal tally to ensure a see-saw encounter went the way of the Dutchmen at the AFAS Stadion.

The visitors enjoyed a fine start, with Ahmed Qasem having an early goal chalked off for offside before Timothy Noor Ouma fired them into the lead in the 23rd minute.

AZ Alkmaar were gifted a leveller just before the break when keeper Isak Pettersson fumbled the ball as he tried to gather a cross and Ruben van Bommel tapped home.

Van Bommell struck again five minutes into the second half but Simon Hedlund equalised three minutes later with an effort from range.

The game sagged thereafter, but a clumsy Ahmed Qasem challenge on Jayden Addai earned the home team a penalty, which Parrott coolly dispatched.

Elfsborg's hopes were effectively ended in the 86th minute when Sebastian Holmen scythed down Parrott when he was the last man and saw red.