The visitors should have gone ahead after only five minutes when Campbell's tug on the opposition's striker was seen by the referee and a penalty awarded, but fortunately for Athletic the striker blasted the ball high and wide.
The opener was only delayed by a couple of minutes however, when stack defending allowed the visitors to go in front. A second goal followed 10 minutes later after Athletic gave away the ball in midfield, leaving the Hazlehead forward to stroke the ball home round the near post.
At this point Athletic were being beaten to every ball and lost a third goal when a low shot from the left came through a ruck of players, beating the unsighted Middleton.
After a roasting from manager Cameron at half time, Athletic started the second period brightly enough but still created few real chances for Reid and Fulton up front. The home side made some changes when Wark, S Strachan and Wright came on, but the pattern of play remained the same.
The visitors underlined their superiority with two late goals to make the final score 5-0. All in all, a very disappointing start to the new year for Athletic who will need to put on a better show if they are to stand any change of getting into the promotion race.
Team: Middleton, Campbell, McLeod, Bowron, Holtes, Milne, Stewart, Toner, Reid, Fulton, Cohen.
Subs: Wright, Paton, Henderson, Wark, S Strachan.