Troy Parrott bags another hat-trick as Excelsior fall short in relegation play-off

Republic of Ireland striker Troy Parrott got his second hat-trick in eight days, as Excelsior came close to completing a remarkable comeback in the Eredivisie relegation play-off final.

Trailing 6-2 to NAC Breda heading into the second leg, a hat-tick from Parrott and a Boy Kemper own goal made it 4-0 to the hosts on the day, reducing the deficit to just one goal on aggregate.

However, a Casper Staring goal just before the hour mark ensured a 7-5 aggregate win and promotion for NAC, while Excelsior went in the other direction.

Parrott's hat-trick followed on from the treble he scored in a 7-1 semi-final second leg victory over ADO Den Haag last weekend, a result whcih secured a 9-2 aggregate win.

He also netted a penalty in that 6-2 final first leg defeat to NAC midweek, and finishes the season with 17 goals for his loan side in all competitions.

Still on the books with Tottenham Hotspur, Parrott will now link up with the Ireland squad, ahead of their friendlies against Hungary and Portugal over the next 10 days.

Elsewere in Europa, Fiorentina won 3-2 away to Atalanta in the final Serie A game of the season, after the fixture was delayed due to both clubs' domestic cup and European commitments.

In France, Metz were relegated from Ligue 1, after a 2-2 draw at home to Saint-Étienne meant the away side were promoted courtesy of a 4-3 aggregate victory.