PHIL Parkinson gave due credit to winger Filipe Morais after laying on four strikes in Wanderers’ convincing rout of Gillingham.

The 31-year-old made it seven assists in his last two outings after creating goals for David Wheater, Mark Beevers, Adam Le Fondre and Josh Vela at Priestfield.

In doing so, he became the first Football League player this season to claim a direct hand in four goals in the same game.

“It was a great performance, his delivery was outstanding for the two set plays and the two in open play,” Parkinson said. “If you are a striker, like Alfie, he has put it on a plate for him, even if it has to be finished. I’m very pleased with him.

“He has made a difference. It’s for everyone to see that he has settled well here and he hasn’t had a lot of football in his legs this season.

“It’s a big factor at this stage of the season – he looks fresh and is enjoying playing here.”

Parkinson was at pain to point out, however, that the victory had not simply been the Filipe Morais show.

Once again Darren Pratley dominated in midfield and the manager reckons his return to the team has been a major influence on the last two away victories.

“It was important we backed the Fleetwood game up because we reset our standards away from home there,” he said.

“We needed another good performance and I am very, very pleased with the professionalism.

“I have to give Darren Pratley a special mention because he covered every single blade of grass. He adds real leadership into that midfield.”

Wanderers remain in third but have a game in hand on second-placed Fleetwood Town, who maintained their one-point advantage with a win at Walsall.

Parkinson believes his side has turned a corner but with Northampton Town the visitors on Saturday at the Macron he wants to quickly switch focus.

“Recent result would suggest we have – but, again, we need to back it up with a big home game on Saturday,” he said.

“There’s nothing better than turning up on your home patch after back-to-back away wins.

“We’ll get back as quickly as possible tonight, be in tomorrow for a recovery session, off Thursday and then in Friday for a session. It’s about getting as much energy back in the lads’ legs as possible now.”