A brace from Rhys Murphy and goals from Chuks Aneke and Keammar Daley gave victory for PNE reserves over Macclesfield.
Preston lead the table with 22 points from 11 matches.
Tranmere are second after a 3-0 victory over Wrexham on Monday with 19 points from 11 matches.
Burnley are third with 17 points from 10 matches.
The Lilywhites final match of the season is on Monday at home to Morecambe. The kick off is 2pm at Deepdale. A victory will give them the title.