Tom Bayliss and Liam Lindsay scored North End's goals in the 2-1 win, their fourth victory on the bounce.
They had fallen behind in the first half to a superb shot from James Garner but showed their character to fight back to get the three points.
Victory saw PNE finish 13th place in the table with 61 points, sending them on their holidays in a positive frame of mind.
Here are the Preston player ratings from the clash with Chris Hughton's men.
9. Greg Cunningham 7
Solid performance at left wing-back against Knockaert. Set up Evans for PNE's only first-half chance. Photo: Camerasport
10. Scott Sinclair 7
Recalled to the attack he had a quiet first half but came live in the second half, setting up the equaliser for Bayliss with a strong run into the box. Photo: Camerasport
11. Ched Evans 8
Ran his socks off in the attack. Nice dummy in the build-up to the first and then he cushioned a header to Lindsay for the winner. Photo: Camerasport
12. Ben Whiteman 6
Part of a double substitution in the 70th minute, put on to treplace Ledson who had been booked. Photo: Camerasport