Sean Maguire gave PNE a second-minute lead but the Bluebirds swung the game in their favour after the break with goals from Mark McGuinness and substitute James Collins.
It was a second successive loss for North End, following-on from the 3-0 reverse at Nottingham Forest before the international break.
Here are the PNE player ratings from the clash, with Alan Browne our man on the match.
13. Scott Sinclair 4
Joined the action coming on for Ledson and had no impact. Only had a few touches of the ball as PNE chased the game. Photo: Camerasport
14. Daniel Johnson 5
The last throw of the dice for North End but he wasn’t able to open up Cardiff’s defence from an attacking midfield role. Photo: Rich Linley/Camerasport
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