Both sides were reduced to 10 men before the end of the first half, with Denis Odoi and Joe Rafferty getting straight reds after Sean Maguire had opened the scoring.
David Nugent got his first goal back at PNE in the second half and it proved to be the winner after Aleksandar Mitrovic saw his deflected effort hit the back of the net with just under 10 minutes to go.
5. Alan Browne - 7
Covered every blade of grass on Deepdale and contributed to both sides of the game. Caused a problem in the middle of the box for the first goal before it fell to Maguire to score.
6. Bard Potts - 7
Has come in for criticism lately from fans but showed exactly why he's in the side. His energy and running from midfield a positive all night and had a big hand to play in Nugent's goal doing just that.
7. Billy Bodin - 7
Tricky to deal with all night, showed excellent feet at times to stepover and make space for himself. Sublime pass into Potts' path before Nugent's goal, Offers something different.
8. Sean Maguire - 8
Took his goal very well on the turn and didn't do much wrong throughout the night. Used his size and speed well and picked up free kicks at important times. Deserved his goal after recent efforts.