Another brace from Brandon Zibaka and a goal from captain Ryan Croasdale gave the points to the Lilywhites as all three goals came in the first half against Tranmere on Saturday.
Burnley failed to overtake Preston on Monday after a 1-1 draw against Morecambe on Monday after they had a 1-0 victory at Macclesfield two days earlier.
Walsall remained third after a 4-0 win at Accrington Stanley.
Table
1 - Preston Pld 22 Pts 53
2 - Burnley Pld 21 Pts 52
3 - Walsall Pld 21 Pts 48