The experienced front man, who celebrated his 33rd birthday on Monday, rattled in a 12-minute hat-trick at the start of the second half to kill off the plucky League One side in a controversial FA Cup fifth round replay, played out in heavy snowfall.
It was a significant change of fortunes for the ex-Juventus and Sevilla forward, who has struggled for goals since arriving from Swansea City in the summer and has been in and out of the matchday squad of late.
Asked who has helped him to stay focused during the recent period, Fernando said: “Of course, my wife and my son have been most important for me and then my brother, my sister, my mother and father – all supported me and all are important.