Carlisle struck first before the Lilywhites equalised on 36 minutes. The score remained 1-1 until the 75th minute when Michael McLellan made it 2-1. Preston made it safe with a few minutes to go when sub Cameron Parish made it 3-1.
Since they last tasted a league defeat 14 matches ago on 16 October, PNE Youths have won 12 and drawn twice.
PNE Youths remain in fourth position but have closed the gap with the teams above them.
1 Rochdale 21 - 43 (before Saturday's match v Bury)
2 Burnley 21 - 43
3 Port Vale 21 - 42
4 Preston 21 - 41