Lincoln City have found themselves in an unlikely play-off battle, currently sitting just two points off sixth place Oxford United with seven matches to go.
Recent results have been astonishing for the Imps, as they have brushed aside their opposition in emphatic fashion. Their current run sees them unbeaten in 13 matches, having won eight of their last ten and conceded only four goals in that time.
However, it is their recent goalscoring form that has caught the eye of fans up and down the division, after Michael Skubala’s side scored 16 goals in their three games before the international break. Although, that strong goalscoring form was threatened during their 6-0 smashing of Cambridge United when striker Ben House had to be substituted in the first half due to an injury he had suffered. This injury was even more of a worry as the forward had only come back into the squad a handful of games ago, after being out for five months due to a hip injury.
That fear was slightly eased when Lincoln handed out another five goals against Bristol Rovers in their following game when House was not available, yet it was not something Skubala and his staff would want to rely on for the run-in.
In what will be deemed great news for Imps fans, however, the former Leeds United U-21 head coach has confirmed the attacker is back in training.
“Ben’s back in training today, we’ll see how he is the next two days and see what part he’ll play,” the 41-year-old told BBC Radio Lincolnshire. “I expect him to take some part but what that will be, we’re not 100% sure yet.”
Lincoln host Leyton Orient at Sincil Bank on Good Friday before travelling to Carlisle United on Easter Monday in a bid to carry on their impressive unbeaten run and potentially break into the top six for the first time since the beginning of September.
Writer’s View
This news is a huge boost for the Imps going into the final seven games of the season. With a midfield that is already heavily depleted, if those injuries were to hit the attack force as it had done early in the season, then any hopes of a trip to Wembley in May may have slowly been lost.
Although fellow striker Joe Taylor has been in fine form in front of goal recently, House is still pivotal to the way that Skubala wants to play. His high-pressing tactical style suits the former Eastleigh man perfectly so having him available now could make a huge difference.