STARS ABROAD: Harambee Stars defender returns as Walsall win but playoff dream ends

Harambee Stars full-back Vincent Harper made his return to action as Walsall bounced back to winning ways with a 3-1 victory over Barrow AFC at Holker Street on Saturday, 18 April, but the result was not enough to keep their playoff hopes alive.

Download our Mozzart Sport app for more news

Harper, who had missed the last three matches, was introduced late in the 89th minute, coming on for Brandon Comley as he rejoined Darren Byfield’s squad.

Despite securing all three points, the Kenya international and his teammates can no longer break into the playoff positions.

Walsall remain unable to catch seventh-placed Chesterfield, who have already surpassed the 72-point mark with only two matches left in the campaign.

It marks a frustrating end to what had once looked like a promising season for the Saddlers.

Walsall spent a significant portion of the first half of the 2025/2026 EFL League Two season at the summit, holding top spot in early December 2025 and maintaining a healthy cushion into mid-January 2026.

They stretched their lead to four points by 10 December and were 15 points clear of fourth place following a win against Milton Keynes Dons on 18 January, a position that had them firmly on course for automatic promotion.

AFC Leopards miss chance to pip Gor Mahia at the top after deflating defeat from Kenya Police FC

However, a sharp dip in form, coupled with the departure of key player Nathan Lowe in January, saw the side lose momentum.

By April, they had slipped down the table, ultimately missing out on both automatic promotion and playoff contention, effectively letting a strong position slip for the second consecutive season.

On his brief return, Harper made an immediate impact in his five-minute cameo, registering two defensive contributions, including a successful tackle and a clearance, while also winning one of his two ground duels and drawing a foul.

The match itself saw Barrow sink deeper into relegation trouble following the defeat on home soil.

Albert Adomah opened the scoring for Walsall in the 33rd minute after goalkeeper Wyll Stanway failed to deal with a Daniel Kanu effort, allowing the veteran to pounce on the loose ball.

AFC Leopards miss chance to pip Gor Mahia at the top after deflating defeat from Kenya Police FC

Mason Hancock then doubled their lead in first-half stoppage time, getting on the end of Charlie Lakin’s low corner and smashing the ball through Stanway’s legs.

Barrow had their moments, with Isaac Fletcher missing an early chance and Danny Rose later denied by Myles Roberts, but they struggled to match Walsall’s cutting edge.

Hancock wrapped up the points in the 68th minute with a low free kick that beat everyone, before substitute Jovan Malcolm grabbed a late consolation in the 88th minute.

In the end, Walsall walked away with the win, but it was a hollow victory, as their playoff hopes slipped beyond reach, leaving them to reflect on a campaign that promised much but delivered little when it mattered most.