Harambee Stars left-back Vincent Harper put on an impressive display for Walsall, helping the club maintain their position at the top of the League 2 table with a 4-2 victory over Newport County. This marked Harper’s first game at club level since being omitted from the national team by Benni McCarthy, and he made sure to make his presence felt on the pitch.
Harper’s performance was characterized by relentless energy and defensive solidity. He completed six tackles and interceptions, won five of his nine ground duels, and secured two of his three aerial challenges. Offensively, he was equally influential, winning 10 of 12 duels while surging up and down the flank, demonstrating the attacking threat he brings from the wingback position. Harper’s display was a reminder of the talent and versatility that McCarthy temporarily overlooked when finalizing his squad for the November internationals.
Walsall’s attacking play was clinical. Newport County initially took the lead in the 16th minute through Kai Whitmore, but Daniel Kanu quickly equalized. Ryan Finnigan then scored twice, giving Walsall a commanding lead before halftime. Although Gerard Garner pulled one back for Newport, Rico Browne’s strike early in the second half restored Walsall’s two-goal advantage, ensuring a comfortable 4-2 win.
Meanwhile, in the Scottish Premier League, Jonah Ayunga endured a frustrating outing as St Mirren suffered a 3-0 defeat to Hibernian in Paisley. The game featured several controversial VAR interventions that overshadowed St Mirren’s efforts. Goals from Josh Mulligan, Chris Cadden, and substitute Miguel Chaiwa sealed the win for Hibernian. St Mirren had two goals disallowed for marginal offside decisions, including an early goal by Marcus Fraser in the fifth minute and a second-half strike by Dan Nlundulu. The team also faced disciplinary setbacks in recent matches, adding to their frustrations.
The contrasting fortunes of Harper and Ayunga highlight the unpredictability of club football. While Harper thrived and proved his worth at Walsall, Ayunga struggled to influence the game amid VAR controversies and a strong Hibernian side. Harper’s performance sends a clear message about his capabilities as a dynamic wingback, showing both fans and national team selectors what they could be missing.
