Sunderland took the lead on 10 minutes from Craig Lynch and doubled the lead four minuts later from Matthew Fletcher. The Black Cats made it 3-0 on 36 minutes from Ryan Noble.
In a mad couple of minutes before the end of the first half saw three goals.
Preston pulled one back when a Neil Dougan was put in his own net by Louis Lang. Then moments later Sunderland made a three goal difference again when Ryan Noble scored his second goal of the night to make it 4-1.
Just before the end of the first half Brandon Zibaka was brought down in the penalty area by the goalkeeper. Alan Sheenan scored from the spot to make it 4-2.
PNE reduced the arrears again from Michael Mclellan to make it 4-3 on 62 minutes, but PNE couldn't get the equaliser and the eighth goal of the night was scored by Billy Knott on 87 minutes to make it Sunderland 5 PNE 3.