Goals from Brandon Zibaka and Matt Dudley secured the three points for Preston.
Burnley still lead the table with 27 points from 12 matches after a free weekend.
Walsall are second on goal difference, moving within one point with two matches in hand after a 4-2 win at Stockport.
PNE moved to third with 26 points from 12 matches.
Carlisle dropped to fourth with 24 points from 11 matches, who also didn't play over the weekend. Tranmere also are on 24 points ater a 3-0 win over Shrewsbury.