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.
13. Troy Parrott - 6
Boro quickly got on top in the second half and the youngster toiled away but got very little out of the match, arguably should have started. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
14. Robbie Brady - 6
Didn't get enough time to impact the game coming on with about five minutes to go. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
15. Ben Woodburn - 6
Like with Brady, it was too little too late. Hard to get up to speed with things in the middle of the park when a side like Middlesbrough are in full flow. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker
16. Liam Delap - 6
But for a bit of petulance he couldn't get into the game. Showed some nice touches at Rotherham so would have had a shout to start the match with his size and Evans' absence. Photo: CameraSport - Lee Parker