(Football news) West Ham took a giant step towards the quarter-finals of the Europa Conference League with a comfortable 2-0 first-leg victory against AEK Larnaca courtesy of two first half goals from Michail Antonio earned the victory for David Moyes’ side. The Hammers have now won all nine of their matches in the Conference league this term. The Hammers deserved to win the match as Antonio should have added a third after the break when his low effort struck the right-hand post.

The Cypriot hosts caused the visitors some early problems but West Ham didn’t look back as they grew in confidence and took the lead when an unmarked Antonio headed Said Benrahma’s cross into the right corner. Antonio went on to double the lead when he collected a inch perfect pass on the edge of the penalty area and then curled an effort into the top-right corner. Having made several changes to his starting line-up, Moyes also made several substitutions to keep the players fresh for their Premier League match over the weekend. The changes impacted the flow of the game, but they were still organised at the back to hold off their spirited opponents.

Nevertheless last season they went close to Europa League glory last season by reaching the semi-finals. Moyes will be pleased with his side’s overall performance as the Scot has made no secret that his ambition is to win this competition which would also provide a direct  route back into Europe next season and on the evidence of this season and their league position it would be difficult for them qualify but that would mean that they would aim to become the first English side to lift the trophy.

AZ Alkmaar sealed a fantastic 2-1 victory over Lazio on Tuesday in the first leg of their Europa Conference League last 16 tie. Goals from Wouter Goes and Sven Mijnans who both made their European debuts for AZ Alkmaar were enough for a major upset. Lazio made a strong start with Pedro slotting in a cross to make it 1-0. But AZ grew into the game as Vangelis Pavlidis did equalise in the 40th minute. AZ then stunned the hosts as Milos Kerkez combined with Karlsson before scoring the decisive goal. The second leg takes place at the AFAS Stadion next week as AZ Alkmaar fans know that avoiding defeat will take them into the quarter-finals.

Other results were:

Fiorentina 1 – 0 Sivasspor

Basel 2 – 2 Slovan Bratislava

Gent 1 -1 Istanbul Basaksehir

Lech Poznan 2 – 0 Djurgarden

Sheriff 0 – 1 OGC Nice

Anderlecht 1 – 1 Villarreal 

Also read: Arsenal draw against Sporting in the 1st leg of their round 16 match in the Europa League