Chub Akpom opened the scoring in the first half before Cameron Archer added two more in the second half and Marcus Forss made it four in second half stoppage time.
Just before North End conceded the fourth, Bambo Diaby picked up a second yellow card and was sent off.
It was a bad day for the football but a good day for PNE fans who celebrated their annual Gentry Day, with 1,700 fans loudly backing their side throughout.
Unfortunately, the football did not match the backing, and this is how we rated the players on the day.
5. Greg Cunningham - 6
It doesn't look good for Greg Cunningham after he suffered a knee injury away from contact as he looked to close down in the build up to the first goal, tried his best before his early withdrawal. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
6. Brad Potts - 5
Normally very reliable defensively but Boro exploited his side and he offered nothing going forwards, needs to improve his end product. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
7. Ben Whiteman - 5
Boro had it way too easy in possession and tasked with breaking it up, Whiteman couldn't get close enough to disrupt, nor did he have North End ticking when they had it. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
8. Ryan Ledson - 6
Was unfortunate, really. Was deployed in a two man midfield and was doing his job before being brought off at half time as Lowe looked to change his shape. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker