Paul Hayes scored twice for PNE in less than two minutes with goals in the 18th and 20th minute. Nathen Ellington made it 3-0 on 29 minutes before Bury pulled on back eight minutes later from Liam Boswell.
Preston scored a further three goals in the last seven minutes. Jamie Proctor scored in 83 minutes to make it 4-1 before scoring his second and the Lilywhites fifth three minutes later. Neil Dougan made it 6-1 just before full time.