Signed from National League side Eastleigh F.C. at the end of the January 2022 transfer window, Ben House’s Lincoln City career has taken an unexpected turn in recent months.
Scoring 13 goals in 54 appearances over two seasons for Eastleigh in the National League, House was signed in what seemed at the time like a move to bolster the Imps’ striking options.
But as far back as his first league start in a Lincoln shirt, a 3-0 home win against Cheltenham back in April 2022, House has mostly played in midfield. Away from his natural role as a striker.
In more recent times under new Lincoln City Head Coach, Mark Kennedy, House has reprised the midfield role on multiple occasions, against Oxford, Fleetwood, Barnsley and Cambridge.
Ahead of Derby County’s visit to the LNER Stadium on Tuesday, House was clear on the different challenges that the role brings. He said: “It’s definitely different playing in midfield. Obviously, I’m a striker, so I’m still adapting to that. But I’m enjoying the challenge.
“I’m happy to adapt. Obviously, I don’t think people understand how big the transition is going from striker to midfield. I’m still learning and we haven’t been able to get much coaching in recently because of all the games. It’s been more about recovery.
“We had a good 11v11 on Saturday which was helpful. We were able to use the patterns of play that the gaffer wants us to use. Wherever Mark (Kennedy) wants me to play, as long as I’m playing, I’m happy.
“Mentally, it’s quite challenging because you need to learn the role. If I moved back to Striker I could be quite happy. But when I drop down into midfield there’s so much more to Football than meets the eye. Pockets of play, runs in behind, where to be etc. So it is difficult.”
In the two other competitive games House has featured in this season, a 0-3 win against Doncaster in the Carabao Cup and a 1-1 draw against Forest Green, he replaced Anthony Scully both times. Once on the left wing and once on the right wing.
So, consistency for House will have been hard to build. Switching from his natural position into midfield, and then into cameos on either flank.
However, as the only experienced, senior striker, apart from Captain Tom Hopper at the club. With Charley Kendall loaned out to League Two side, Sutton United, in the August transfer window. House may yet be needed as a striker over the course of a long football league season.