Back in November 2004, Billy Davies' Lilywhites put in a fine performance to put three past the Rams at Deepdale, earning the points, in a season that ended with PNE defeating their opponents on this day in the Play-Off semi-final.
On the day, Graham Alexander scored twice as North End took all the points.
The right back scored a spectacular opener after 13 minutes, volleying home Eddie Lewis' cross past Lee Camp.
Camp saved from Lewis and former Derby man Brian O'Neil, but shortly after half-time Alexander scored a penalty after Grzegorz Rasiak fouled Chris Sedgwick.
Patrick Agyemang wasted several opportunities to extend the lead further, but he provided the cross from which Richard Cresswell scored North End's third late on with a cheeky back heel.
After the game Billy Davies said: "Patrick Agyemang brings us something we have not had since Ricardo Fuller. We can now get behind teams, he can cause a lot of problems.
"From the start we worked extremely hard and moved the ball very well.
"Graham Alexander is a very good striker of the ball with both feet - the first goal was one for the video."
Derby boss George Burley added: "That was our worst away performance of the season. Preston put us under pressure, closed us down very quickly in midfield and at the back.
"We had to battle against them and we lost every battle on the pitch - they outmuscled us. We have won four away games, but were second best here."
PNE line-up: Gould, Alexander, Mawene, Lucketti, Broomes, Sedgwick (Daley, 75), O'Neil, McKenna (Etuhu, 84), Lewis, Cresswell (Lynch, 90), Agyemang. Subs not used: Ward, Davis.
Derby County line-up: Camp, Kenna, Huddlestone, Johnson, Vincent, Smith, Kaku (Bisgaard, 65), Taylor, Idiakez, Reich (Peschisolido, 72), Rasiak (Tudgay, 72). Subs not used: Grant, Mills.
Attendance: 12,702
Referee: Mr Mike Jones (Cheshire)
This Tuesday’s game is live on iFollow PNE, with Matt Hardman on commentary duties, joined by former North End goalkeeper Andrew Lonergan, on air from approximately 6.30pm. Click here now to sign up for a match pass for £10.