By SIMON BIRD at the Stadium of Light

LEE JOHNSON admits that Sunderland have hit a crisis in confidence – after they were booed off following a fourth defeat in five games.

Nigel Clough masterminded a rare win for 20th-placed League Two side Mansfield, who bossed the game and scored early on through Rhys Oates.

But the problems are mounting up for Black Cats’ boss Johnson (right) with a slump in form that has seen only one goal scored in five games.

A brilliant start to the season has petered out amid a packed fixture programme including a Carabao Cup quarter-final, EFL Trophy progress, and a trimmed down young squad lacking character. Once again they were pedestrian going forward, making unforced errors and hardly creating any clear openings.

Johnson said: “Seven, eight games ago we were playing compact, popping it around and players flowing over the ground.

Today it just wasn’t there.

“I have a really big job maintaining those confidence levels and that is the most challenging thing in football today.

“We have to enjoy it, and have enthusiasm.”

Clough has a great record having won four times on Wearside as a manager. He said: “You don’t come to many stadia as good as this and perform like that, win and celebrate at the end. First half we played well but it was a long old second half.”

Mansfield were up after just six minutes, their only shot on target all game at a near deserted Stadium of Light. Keeper Lee Burge looked nervy and when his pass hit Harry Charsley, the ball fell for striker Oates to tuck it away off the post.

Nathan Bishop saved a Nathan Broadhead header, and on the breakaway George Lapslie’s shot was deflected over. Ollie Hawkins also hit the bar for the visitors.

Dan Neil was the hosts’ brightest hope. He slashed a chance wide and George Maris made a goal-saving block on Neil’s late drive. Neil then hit the bar in injury time.