Norwich City Under-23s midfielder Flynn Clarke broke through a resolute Sunderland defence to equalise in Friday night's 1-1 draw at Carrow Road.
City created chance after chance in the second half, but Jacob Carney couldn't be beaten until the 82nd minute.
"Fair play to the keeper, credit to him because he made some outstanding saves," Clarke said to canaries.co.uk after the game.
"Personally, as a team I felt like the second half was a hundred times better and that's what we are as a team. We created numerous chances but unfortunately it wasn't the night to put more goals in. It was a massive improvement.
"At half time, basically we pretty much got told to up the intensity because the first half wasn't us. Playing at Carrow Road with the fans behind us, we needed to show them what we're made of.
"That's why we made sure we pressed and worked hard as a team."
The draw keeps City second in Premier League 2 Division Two, one point ahead of Stoke City and two of Wolverhampton Wanderers, who lost to fifth-placed Nottingham Forest on Friday.
"Whether it's a point we take home or three points, every little helps. It's better than taking no points.
"We need to go again next time at Carrow Road \[v Wolves on Friday, April 29\] and hopefully the fans will come and support us again because I think they helped us massively, especially in the second half."
Away from Friday's game, Clarke was happy to discuss Tony Springett's recent inclusion in first-team training.
"Tony's like my little brother! He's always there for me, ever since I moved to Norwich. We got on like a house on fire so fair play to him. He's doing me proud and I hope he can kick on now and keep working hard. He deserves it.
"Also, JT \[Jonathan Tomkinson\], Jon Rowe... they're all doing well and I want them to get to where they want to be.
"I'm pleased with how far I've come along, coming back from injury at the start of the season. I've got a lot more to show to the staff, players around me and the fans."