Troy Parrott was among the goals again as he returned to club action after his Republic of Ireland heroics, but he could not stop AZ Alkmaar from slipping to a 3-1 defeat at Heerenveen on Sunday.
The country is still basking in the glow of Parrott’s remarkable hat-trick in Hungary that sent the Boys in Green into a World Cup play-off semi-final against Czech Republic in March.
He’s been in sensational form this season, and would have hoped to ride that moment as third-placed AZ Alkmaar got back to action in the Eredivisie.
However things did not go to plan at Abe Lenstra Stadion.
Former Hibernian attacker Dylan Vente put ninth-placed Heerenveen ahead in the 38th minute, with Joris van Overeem doubling their lead two minutes later.
Parrott gave AZ a lifeline 15 minutes from time with a lovely touch, turn and first-time finish that found the net via the inside of the post.
Their hopes was crushed just four minutes later though, when Luuk Brouwers steered home a fine finish to kill the game.
Parrott will square up to a familiar name in his next game: AZ welcome Shelbourne to AFAS Stadion in the Conference League this Thursday.