Elliott Dickman praised the persistence of his players to keep going to the end last night and earn a point.
Andrew Nelson struck an 86th minute equaliser against Legia Warsaw in the Premier League International Cup to earn Sunderland under-23s a share of the spoils.
The Black Cats were dominant throughout but lacked a cutting edge as Joel Asoro and Owen Gamble saw efforts saved.
Grzegorz Aftyka slotted the visitors in front late on in the first period, but Nelson's introduction on 66 minutes changed the course of the match and 20 minutes later Sunderland struck level.
Speaking to safc.com, Dickman delivered his verdict.
"I thought it was a good game," he said.
"The messages about trying to play from the back (seemed to work), that was pleasing but it is just that little bit in the final third.
"We are getting into good positions but we maybe don't put as many crosses in as we should. It's just the decision making in the final third that is something we have got to polish up and tidy up on.
"The endeavour and the attitude of the players was fantastic tonight.
"It is fantastic for them (Jake Hackett, Jack Diamond, Lee Connelly and Benji Kimpioka) to be involved," he continued.
"Jack started the game and then the two lads have come on and done smashing.
"Lee has done really, really well for the goal and put a great ball in.