Latics took just 30 seconds to open the scoring as McCarthy fired home after Preston failed to clear Mohamed Diame's cross from the left.
Wigan doubled their lead on 10 minutes when Moses' hopeful shot was deflected past goalkeeper IainTurner as the visitors threatened to run riot.
Preston, to their credit, refused to lose heart and they pulled a goal back midway through the first half when Amine Linganzi turned his man and struck with a sweet volley.
But just as North End were starting to get into their stride, Wigan knocked them out of it as Boyce headed home to restore their two-goal cushion.
Moses, who has been backed by Roberto Martinez to fill the void left by Charles N'Zogbia, went close after the break, firing just over, and Jordi Gomez hit the bar as Wigan pushed for a fourth but neither side were able to add to their first half tally.
Source: Team Talk
Source: Team Talk