A second half brace from Will Hayhurst gave the points to Preston.
Burnley (Pld 18; 45 pts) lead the table after a 3-2 victory at Walsall. PNE (Pld 18; 41 pts) move above third placed Walsall (Pld 17; 40 pts) who had suffered their first league defeat this season after 17 matches. Carlise are in fourth but are seven points behind Walsall.