PRESTON striker Jon Macken's 45-yard wonder-strike against Manchester City has been named as Nationwide League goal of the month for October.

Seeing Nicky Weaver off his line, North End goal-machine Macken -- from 45 yards -- hit a tremendous chipped effort into the top right-hand corner of the City net.

It will act as a major boost for the striker, and North End, as they go into a difficult clash with Nottingham Forest tomorrow and Macken could well be partnered by Richard Cresswell at the City Ground.

Cresswell is set to be rewarded for his recent exploits as a substitute, the former Leicester striker has scored four goals coming off the bench in Preston's last three games.

With David Healy suspended, Cresswell looks certain to be given his chance and North End boss David Moyes has shown in the past that he will go with the men in form.

North End's injury troubled front-runner Steve Basham could be on his way out of Deepdale..

The 23-year-old has struggled to break back into the reckoning since he sustained a broken leg in a tackle with Tranmere's Jason Koumas early last season.

With David Healy, Jon Macken and Richard Cresswell all hitting a rich vein of form, Basham would appear to be down the Deepdale pecking order.

The former Southampton strikerhas been linked with a move to Scottish premier Division side Motherwell and may go on loan to try and gain some much needed match action.