The big win saw Boro move to within five points of sixth place, as they look to make up the ground with just nine matches of the season left to play.
Speaking after the game, Lilywhites boss Alex Neil hit out at the officials for sending off midfielder Alan Browne in the first-half, after he had the last word in an off-the-ball scrap with Sam Morsy.
Neil claimed: “It’s an extremely poor decision. I have seen it back. Sam Morsy hits him with his forearm on the back of his head, he is right in front of them.
“Alan instinctively reacts because not only has he been hit once, it’s twice. It is hard to accept and understand how the ref and assistant can see Alan’s part but not Sam Morsy’s part. It changed the game in their favour. Their player is the aggressor and our player reacted in that instance.”
Next up, Boro will look to continue racking up the points this weekend, when they travel to take on Millwall in the capital.
Here are today's biggest transfer stories and the latest team news involving Middlesbrough and the rest of the Championship, as the build-up to the upcoming weekend's action begins:
1. Robins join McPake chase
Bristol City have been tipped to battle QPR for Rangers prospect Josh McPake. The Scotland U19 international is currently on loan with League Two side Harrogate Town, who are on-track for a solid mid-table finish. (Football Insider) Photo: Ian MacNicol
2. Atalanta set to win race for ex-Forest starlet
Serie A side Atalanta look set to beat Manchester United and Chelsea to ex-Nottingham Forest defender Anel Ahmedhodzic. He's currently on the books at Swedish side Malmo, and is a Bosnia & Herzegovina senior international (The Sun) Photo: JONATHAN NACKSTRAND
3. Dack suffers another ACL injury
Blackburn Rovers have been dealt a major injury blow, with star man Bradley Dack succumbing to another ACL injury. He was out for a year when he suffered the same injury previously, and only returned to action three months ago. (Club website) Photo: Lewis Storey
4. Owls keeping tabs on Simpson
Ex-Newcastle defender Danny Simpson is understood to be on Sheffield Wednesday's radar, having featured in an U23s clash for the Owls on Monday. He's been looking for a new club since leaving Huddersfield Town at the end of last season. (The Star) Photo: David Rogers