Phil Parkinson believes his side showed good character to keep believing until the final act last night against Fleetwood Town.
Max Power scored a 97th minute leveller to cancel out Barrie McKay’s early strike to earn Sunderland a point.
While a feeling of frustration lingers following the Black Cats’ draw with the Cod Army, the Lads' boss has told safc.com he is pleased his side’s endeavour paid off as they maintained their run of form.
“The substitutes came on and gave us a lift in terms of freshness,” he said.
“Max provided a captain’s goal and it is up to the captain to do that when needed the most. It is terrific to get a point and it is an important one for us.
“Fleetwood have been on a very good run, but it keeps our momentum going so we’re pleased with that.
“I am delighted with the perseverance we showed.”
“We got into our stride after a slow start and had some good moments but probably not enough,” he continued.
“In the second half we kept patient, kept going and I am pleased we got our reward in the end because I felt we deserved it.”