Lincoln City striker Ben House spoke to the media after the 2-1 victory over Fleetwood Town on Saturday, in which he scored his first goal since returning from injury.
He was pleased to extend the Imps’ winning run to five and make it back-to-back wins.
He said: “I was looking in the programmed at Burton and I think it was 14 games with two wins six draws and six losses, that’s not a great return. But these extra two wins now are important and hopefully we can kick on and get up the table.”
In from the off:
House was making his first start since returning from a long-term hip injury that had ruled him out since September. He admitted the plan was for him not to start the game, but a Freddie Draper rolled ankle forced Michael Skubala’s hand.
House said: “Yeah I was ready to start if I had to and I’m just pleased the physio allowed me to.”
He got 68 minutes under his belt before being replaced by Dylan Duffy, when asked if that was more than he was expecting he said: “Yeah when the clock got to 59, I thought I’ll be coming off soon but it just kept going up and up.”
But, the striker came through unscathed, adding: “I’m happy that I lasted, and everything feels fine.”
Red card was a turning point:
House was involved in the melee that kicked off in the closing moments of the first half, firstly with Cod striker Jayden Stockley.
He said: “I thought it was just standard grappling from a free kick but then as I was running away he almost rugby tackled me and I’m not sure how that’s not a red personally but we move on.”
When asked about the controversial red card that was subsequently shown to Fleetwood’s Bosun Lawal he said: “No I didn’t hear what was said, I think because I was still in it with Stockley.”
Second-half comeback and back in the goals:
Having fallen behind early Lincoln turned it round in seven second half minutes, with House bagging the equaliser.
He said: “I probably should have had a second as well, but it was a great ball by Reeco and seeing it go in I was just full of emotions.”
On Lasse Sørensen’s winner he joked: “Yeah he has about five shots a game, so it was nice one went in.”
House has spent a long time on the sidelines, but is happy to be back. He said: “It can be lonely but it’s such a good group of lads and they’ve been with me just like I’d be with them.”
Momentum and long-term targets:
On the unbeaten run reaching five games, he said: “It’s a results business so yeah I’m just delighted for not only the boys but the staff because they’re top and it’s not easy transitioning to a new manager but I’m glad everything’s falling into place.”
Finally, when asked if there’s a target in mind for a points tally come May, he said: “I think we’re just taking it game by game to be honest with you, there’s no point looking ahead, it’s just about winning.”
Next up for the Imps is a midweek trip to Charlton Athletic, before welcoming Exeter City to the LNER Stadium on Saturday.