This was an intriguing first-ever meeting between these clubs, with both seeking solace in Europe’s tertiary cup competition after domestic defeats at the weekend.
The start of the match was played at a breathless pace, and Sparta almost broke the deadlock in the opening exchanges when Wouter Goes headed Matyas Vojta’s looping shot away from the goalmouth.
Rome-Jayden Owusu-Oduro was then called into action to keep out Andy Irving’s effort, before the latter made a fine block to keep out Parrott’s attempt down the other end.
However, the Irishman was not to be denied in the 29th minute, breaking the deadlock after latching onto Ro-Zangelo Daal’s pass and unleashing a ferocious left-footed strike past Jakub Surovcik.
That was his 25th goal of the season across all competitions, ending a run of four games without finding the net. It was almost 2-0 in emphatic fashion before half-time when Denso Kasius’ sweetly-struck attempt from the edge of the box cannoned off the post.
Sparta responded just five minutes after the restart, though, courtesy of Vojta. The January signing from Mlada Boleslav scored his first goal for the club by turning home Irving’s scuffed finish, with AZ failing to deal with Kaan Kairinen’s initial free-kick.
De Kaasboeren pressed forward in a bid to regain the lead, but neither Isak Jensen nor Daal could find the target. The hosts continued to apply the pressure, as Weslley Patati’s strike clipped off the bar before Kees Smit and Sven Mijnans were both denied by Surovcik.
AZ looked the more likely to find a late winner, with Surovcik called into action again to deny Peer Koopmeiners. However, it was a familiar face that would settle matters in Alkmaar, as Parrott struck again.
Daal was the provider once again, and the former Tottenham Hotspur man was on hand to convert his finish from deep inside the box.
That goal settled an entertaining contest, leaving Lee-Roy Echteld’s side unbeaten across their last six main draw Conference League home matches (W5, D1).
Meanwhile, Brian Priske will take confidence from his side’s display despite this defeat, while the late goal ensures they're still yet to draw away from home in this competition after nine games (W3, L6), all of which have been decided by a one-goal margin.
Flashscore Man of the Match: Troy Parrott (AZ)
