WIMBLEDON 1 Basham desperate for a goal PRESTON striker Steve Basham is desperate for a goal -- and must believe one will come soon, writes DANY ROBSON.

The 22-year-old, signed for £200,000 from Southampton last summer, only found the net twice last season after being hampered by numerous injuries.

But he has started all four First Division games this season -- and came closest to scoring in yesterday's 1-1 draw with Premiership old boys Wimbledon.

In fact, Basham had the ball in the back of the net twice -- in the 32nd and 71 minutes -- and both times turned to celebrate before both efforts were ruled off-side.

"Steve's workrate is excellent, he just needs a goal," said manager David Moyes, who also saw Basham waste a great opportunity against Bolton in Saturday's 2-0 defeat. With Moyes awaiting the arrival of American centre forward Brian McBride on a six-month spell next month, Basham will know he has to start taking his chances soon.

Moyes added: "I started to wonder if it was to be our day after two disallowed goals but we started to dig deep and in the end, after we had changed things to stem the flow of (John) Harston and (Marcus) Gayle in the second half, I was relatively happy with a point." North End did make one chance count and it was Michael Appleton who celebrated his third goal of the season.

Preston's joint record signing at £500,000 from Manchester United, fired home from 25 yards, squeezing the ball into Kelvin Davis' right hand post 30 seconds after the restart.

"I'm very happy for Michael, he has taken his chances in the side and weighed in with three goals -- he is playing well," added Moyes.

Wimbledon had netted their first First Division goal in injury-time in the first half.

North End left defender Paul Williams unmarked to head home Neal Ardley's corner.

It was the Dons first goal in 405 minutes of football -- since the penultimate game in the Premiership -- as they still look for their opening First Division win.

"It was such a relief I had to double check it had crossed the line," joked Wimbledon manager Terry Burton who also saw £7m striker John Hartson miss at least five opportunities as he struggles to regain match fitness.

"We will get judged on our results but our performances have been good. But by the law of averages we should get a win soon."

North End defender Graham Alexander missed his first game after 59 successive appearances with an ankle injury yesterday.