STRIKER Steve Basham may have suffered a broken leg injury, but Preston's 1-0 win against Tranmere on Saturday (October 14) was enough to 'praise the Lord' according to one fan.

American-born PNE fanatic Patti, 49, from Chicago, Illinois, flew into the UK at the weekend to watch her favourite team play at Deepdale.

The mum-of-seven follows the lads' progress via the world wide web and e-mails to other fans across the world.

For years the devout Christian prayed for the Lilywhite club and believes that her prayers have been answered as the Division One team head toward the Premiership.

Saturday's match was not only Patti's first overseas trip but the only time she had ever watched a football match -- thanks to hundreds of 'virtual' friends who clubbed together to make it all possible.

Patti said: "I'm completely overwhelmed and thankful to them all. I got permission to walk to the Town End on the pitch.

"When I realized that my feet were on the ground where PNE play, I began to cry. The realization was overwhelming.

"At 58 minutes, when Basham slammed the ball into the net, I went nuts. I had both hands all the way up in the air and screamed 'Hallelujah!! Thank You, Jesus! Praise the Lord!!' several times.

"When I saw Basham go down in pain, I stopped praying for the game and prayed only for him. His injury made even a win a sad game.

"I am praying for a miraculous recovery for him."