The Lilywhites were unbeaten in five previous visits to Ewood, winning three times and drawing twice. Their last defeat there came 20 years ago in January 2001.
Having had the better of the first half, North End fell behind in the 53rd minute to a Ben Brereton Diaz goal.
It was a lead Rovers sat behind the ball to defend and the visitors were unable to find a way through for an equaliser.
Here are the PNE player ratings, with captain Alan Browne the starman.
It was a lead Rovers sat behind the ball to defend and the visitors were unable to find a way through for an equaliser.