Troy Parrott denied 20th goal of season but Shelbourne are beaten by AZ Alkmaar

Shelbourne suffered a blow in their chances to reach the knockout stages of the Conference League as they suffered a 2-0 defeat to AZ Alkmaar.

Troy Parrott played the full game for the Dutch side and came close to scoring his 20th goal of the season, but was denied by Joey O'Brien's side.

While the Dublin team held out for 70 minutes, goals from Mees de Wit and Isak Jensen gave Alkmaar the win.

The defeat leaves Shelbourne with just one point from their first four games, with Crystal Palace and a trip to Slovenia to face a Celje on the horizon.

In a difficult night for the Irish teams in Europe, Shamrock Rovers lost 2-1 at home to Shakhtar Donetsk.

Goals from Kauã Elias and Yegor Nazaryna gave the Ukrainian side victory.

Connor Malley gave the League of Ireland champions hope, but it wasn't enough for Stephen Bradley's side as their chances of reaching the knockout stages remain slim.