A WEEK before this victory over Plymouth there were small signs of frustration growing among Sunderland's support base. Seven days later, as a large section of fans sang Lee Johnson’s name, the Black Cats closed in on the automatic-promotion spots.

Johnson is aware of how three defeats to Charlton, Rotherham and Sheffield Wednesday knocked the stuffing out of his side between the end of October and early November.

Similarly, though, there is no disguising that a run of six unbeaten matches since has reignited Sunderland’s chances of finishing in the top two.

Saturday’s 2-1 victory over Plymouth, who dropped to sixth spot, is further proof of that; meaning the last three home dates have brought seven points and a climb back into the play-off zone.

Even when Plymouth suggested they might be able to claim a point despite falling two goals down within 13 minutes, Sunderland stayed tight and firm to get the points over the line for fans that were equally as resilient as the men on the pitch.

Johnson said: “The fans were brilliant. The noise, the decibel levels were top even when anxiety should have set in.

“That encouragement from them really gave us the chances to kill the game off, through some great defending, good saves they have kept us from scoring a third. But we have still managed to get the points.”

Sunderland are level on points with second placed Wigan, and have a game in hand. They are also just two points behind leaders Rotherham having collected seven points from three consecutive home games.

Crucially, though, Sunderland are playing much better again. Plymouth couldn’t handle Sunderland in spells, particularly in the opening period when they cruised into an early lead.

Dan Neil struck the opener inside four minutes when he was perfectly placed to apply the finish to a lovely flick from Callum Doyle, who had knocked on Alex Pritchard’s corner.

Less than nine minutes later it was two when Leon Dajaku was played down the right flank. His low delivery was perfect to the near post for Nathan Broadhead to cleverly finish.

Johnson said: “It was another great move, a good team goal and one for our highlights reel. The movement before he finished was really good and the finish was sublime, it is almost a bit of a drag and a backheel all in one. You have to be full of confidence to execute that.

“The lads have been outstanding, whether they are turning socks inside out to save the laundry lady a job, keeping the dressing room tidy like it was their mam’s living room, or their effort in games, they have been superb.”

There might have been question marks raised when Aiden McGeady suffered a knee injury in November but the likes of Pritchard and Dajaku have really taken over with their tenacity and willingness to get on the ball.

Sunderland could have been further ahead before half-time. Instead Plymouth pulled one back in the 63rd minute when Dan Scarr headed in Jordan Houghton’s corner.

Even then Sunderland should have added to the scoring, with Dajaku, Pritchard and Aiden O’Brien all going close. The fact they didn’t find the net again left it for the defence to hold on and that was what they did to frustrate the Pilgrims,

Johnson said: “We have had the balance right. We are making sure they peak on a match-day, they have done well as a whole team.

“It is the whole collective, it’s the physios, the sports scientists, the strength and conditioning. There are a lot of people putting a lot of work in to enable the tip of the iceberg, which is the team, to be energetic.

“I have learned in this phase, how emotions swing. I think you have to stay consistent, look at games back objectively in my role. It is about flattening the waves, try to make sure we drive improvements. We were in a bad spell but now we are in a good spell.

“We have maximised opportunities in the last six games."