STRIKER Steve Basham says he doesn't care who scored North End's third goal on Saturday, contrary to reports in the national press.

Arguments will continue for some time yet as to who scored PNE's final goal. Some say Basham got the final touch. Others say it was Jonathon Macken - and indeed it is Macken who has been attributed with the third goal.

Reports in the Sunday papers said Basham was seething at not getting his first hat-trick for North End and even more angry that he wasn't given the match ball.

In fact, nothing could have been further from the truth according to the 21-year-old, who is on loan from Southampton.

He said: "I did speak to several members of the Press after the game but I didn't even mention the third goal.

"It was great to score twice and I think we both got a touch on the third but it doesn't bother me.

"It was a fantastic all round performance. We knew we hadn't all played to our personal best recently but Saturday was great. I found myself in more space and was able to pick up more passes.

"The important thing for us is that there is now a four point gap between us and Walsall."

Basham has now scored eight goals from nine starts and fans will be hoping he will be able to continue that run during the two games at the weekend.

Another player looking to pick up where he left off last Saturday is Graham Alexander. He made an impressive start against Northampton.

He signed up to the Preston cause just minutes before the transfer deadline after talking to Burnley boss Stan Ternent, who still believes Alexander made the wrong move.

But the 27-year-old is sure he has come to the right part of Lancashire. The £50,000 buy from Luton said: "I chose to come to Preston because, in the long term, I can see they are an ambitious club and hopefully will be playing in the First Division.

"I want to be part of that success and I know I can do the job David Moyes wants me to do."

Alexander's outstanding performance means any lingering disappointment at Stuart Pearce's decision not to join Deepdale has long since been forgotten.

The former England captain, currently at Newcastle United, had been expected to sign on the dotted line - but said no with just hours to spare before the deadline.

"I was seriously considering it," said Pearce. "I had spoken to PNE for a couple of days but I am really looking for a club nearer my home in the Midlands."

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