Rovers were two up inside 15 minutes thanks to goals from Sam Gallagher and John Buckley before Alan Browne pulled one back for PNE.
Blackburn extended their lead before half time and rounded off the scoring just seven minutes into the second half with Lewis Travis netting the fourth.
9. Alan Browne - 4
Lost the battle in midfield and though the effort was there, the quality was not. Got a goal on the night and tried to take the fight to Rovers but that was a losing battle all night. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
10. Greg Cunningham - 4
North End's left side was exposed on the night and Cunningham was too, could not keep the ball and despite being involved in the goal had a poor night. Photo: CameraSport - Andrew Kearns
11. Cameron Archer - 4
Anonymous on the night and didn't get himself in the game, a learning curve for the youngster after being the main man against Blackpool. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth
12. Emil Riis - 5
Was generally the out ball and showed a bit of heart in the second half, sent a shot firing past the post but other than that, did not threaten. Too many times second to a ball down the channel and it comes straight back. Photo: CameraSport - Dave Howarth