In the only Northern Premier fixture of the day due to cup matches, Preston had to come from behind after Nadine Bates had opened the scoring.
But Chelsea Flanagan levelled shortly before the hour mark and Lagan Makin then put the hosts in front.
Makin and Paige Forster then added gloss on the win late on to ensure Guiseley remain on three points, level with Nuneaton Town.
Preston were able to capitalise on the fact Nottingham Forest were due to play in the FA Women’s Premier League Cup, although their tie with Hull City was postponed.
It was a similar situation in the Southern Division as Charlton Athletic went top courtesy of their 2-1 victory away to Queens Park Rangers – with Brighton & Hove Albion also featuring in the cup.
The Addicks were able to surpass the Seagulls on goal difference after their second 2-1 win over QPR in consecutive weeks.
Amy Howlett’s long-range strike and Kit Graham had sent Brighton into the interval in front, before Emma Whitter finished coolly with ten minutes remaining for the R’s.
There were only two games in the Southern Division and it was West Ham United who took the three points away to Plymouth Argyle thanks to Aysha Bentick’s double to move further away from the relegation zone.
In the Premier League Cup, the biggest winners were Brighton as they put six past Chichester City to reach the quarter-finals.
Goals from Charley Boswell, Charlotte Gurr and Kate Natkiel meant the Seagulls held a 3-0 lead at the break, and further strikes from Gurr and Natkiel, plus one for Amy Taylor, rounding off the convincing victory.
Tottenham Hotspur were another who enjoyed a fruitful afternoon in front of goal, as they beat C&K Basildon 5-2 to progress.
They will be joined in the quarters by Blackburn Rovers after they won 4-3 at Mossley Hill thanks to a double from Saffron Jordan and goals by Sophie Jones and Alicia Johnson.
And in the FA Premier League Plate, Loughborough Foxes beat Stockport County 5-1 and Coventry United won 2-0 at Crystal Palace.
Newcastle United’s Plate tie at Blackpool Wren Rovers was postponed.
