Second-half goals from Brad Potts, Scott Sinclair and Emil Riis gave the hosts all three points as the Teessiders struggled to cause problems at the other end of the pitch.
Our Boro writer Joe Nicholson has dished out his marks from the match – scroll down and flick through the pages of our picture gallery to see them:
. PRESTON, ENGLAND - DECEMBER 09: Scott Sinclair of Preston North End celebrates after scoring their sides second goal past Marcus Bettinelli of Middlesborough as Dael Fry of Middlesborough looks dejected during the Sky Bet Championship match between Preston North End and Middlesbrough at Deepdale on December 09, 2020 in Preston, England. The match will be played without fans, behind closed doors as a Covid-19 precaution. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
Scott Sinclair of Preston North End celebrates after scoring their sides second goal past Marcus Bettinelli of Middlesborough. Photo: Clive Brunskill
. Marcus Bettinelli - 5
Made a few sharp saves but probably should have done better with a few of the goals which he got a hand to. 5 Photo: Alex Pantling
. Djed Spence - 4
Made a few forays forward from right-back but wasn’t able to exploit the space. Caught out of position a few times at the back. 4 Photo: Getty Images
. Paddy McNair - 5
Deliveries from set-plays weren’t at their best as Boro’s defence was cut open on three occasions. 5 Photo: Alex Pantling
. Dael Fry - 4
Comfortable in the first half but was exposed late on and beaten too easily for the third goal. 4 Photo: PA
. Marc Bola - 5
Looked to have settled after a tricky start but was beaten by Jayden Stockley in the build-up to the opener. 5 Photo: Clive Brunskill
1. Marcus Bettinelli - 5
Made a few sharp saves but probably should have done better with a few of the goals which he got a hand to. 5 Photo: Alex Pantling
2. Djed Spence - 4
Made a few forays forward from right-back but wasn’t able to exploit the space. Caught out of position a few times at the back. 4 Photo: Getty Images
3. Paddy McNair - 5
Deliveries from set-plays weren’t at their best as Boro’s defence was cut open on three occasions. 5 Photo: Alex Pantling
4. Dael Fry - 4
Comfortable in the first half but was exposed late on and beaten too easily for the third goal. 4 Photo: PA