Emil Riis scored in the first half before Cameron Archer doubled their lead, with a late Andre Gray penalty pulling one back for the visitors with one of the last kicks of the game.
After a slow start, Ryan Lowe’s men got their game going and were deserving winners on home soil.
Here’s how we rated PNE on the day.
9. Daniel Johnson - 8
Once the midfield got going he showed his class. Was back to picking up looe balls and bringing it under control and his progressive passing led to many North End chances, such as Archer's goal. Photo: CameraSport - Mick Walker
10. Greg Cunningham - 7
Solid down the left side though he did not get forward as we have sometimes seen, though that normally comes after a run of games where his match sharpness is fully there. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
11. Cameron Archer - 8
Showed again why he is quickly becoming a hero at PNE, looked a threat all game and could have easily have had more than one. Did so well for the goal he did get, doing much of it himself and refused to be denied. Photo: CameraSport - Alex Dodd
12. Emil Riis - 7
Found action a little hard to come by at times but scored a typical striker's goal as he popped in the box to get across his man and steer it towards the far post. Unfortunately had to be withdrawn shortly after due to injury. Photo: CameraSport - Mick Walker