North End started the season with a poor performance at home to newly promoted Hull yet their final game when the pressure was off was an impressive victory at Deepdale.
Middlebrough still had a remote chance of making the top six but all hopes were dashed in the first half as Preston took complete control of the game to disappoint the thousands of expectant travelling fans.
Preston dominated and played some of their best football of the season which did leave some fans to question why they weren't able to produce performances like this earlier in the season.
Browne gave North End the lead with a well executed finish inside the box. Preston soon doubled their advantage in what is credited as a Fry own goal but Riis had a big part to play in the goal.
After half time the visitors pulled a goal back through Tavernier but any hope of a comeback was soon extinguished when Riis made it three and effectively seal victory.
Tempers boiled over and McNair was sent off late in the game for blocking a shot with his arm in the box. Riis converted the penalty to give Preston a convincing win.
Huntington was afforded the last few minutes as a late substitute. His time at Deepdale will be fondly remembered as the longest serving player now leaves the staff.
For the record Preston finished in 13th position. Lowe now has a summer of recruitment ahead before his first full season next season where he will hope for improvement in the final standings.