Ben began his career at Formby-based Redgate Rovers before going on to join Skelmersdale United in the summer of 2016, scoring on his debut in a 1-1 draw against Grantham Town.

He would join Bootle in January 2017, scoring a number of goals as the Bucks finished as runners-up to Atherton Collieries in the North West Counties Premier Division that season.

Since signing for Widnes later that year, Ben has become a firm fans' favourite and established himself as one of the top forwards in the Evo-Stik League West Division, scoring 17 goals this past term.

Speaking earlier this season, co-boss Kev Towey spoke highly of the striker who was voted Widnes' Player of the Month on two different occasions this season.

He said, "Ben started the season slowly and then took a little bit of time out due to personal reasons.

"He felt a little bit disappointed that he wasn't put straight back in but we supported him and eased him back in. I think now he can see why we did that and our reasons. We're certainly getting the best out of Ben Hodkinson, and if we continue to do so we've got one of the best forwards in the league."