Johnson hails youthful Black Cats amid a good learning experience
club come out of it in a stronger position.
"I thought we did that, by winning against a really senior Port Vale side where we've learned a lot.
"We could have been a bit more confident at times, especially in the first half where we probably had five or six unforced errors in good positions,
"Part of that I thought was down to quite a sticky pitch, and they're a well-versed League Two side, with a lot of experience.
We had to cope, and generally we did. Obviously we've given a poor goal away and that made it a proper cup tie, but we coped."
Johnson also praised Hawkes for his contribution.
The 22-year-old saw his progress checked by a positive Covid test early in preseason, but is now back up to full speed as he pushes for more game time.
"I thought he came back flying," Johnson said.
"We asked him to put the work in ahead of pre-season and he did, and in those first couple of weeks he looked really strong, really fit.
"He was really unfortunate in getting Covid, which definitely knocked him back four or five weeks.
"What I want from Josh is that last fifteen minutes of the first half more often, he's so dangerous when he gets in those positions, he can really deliver with a bit of violence and venom.
"He can come inside and strike it, go outside. That first goal is a great one from a team perspective and it's obviously a great finish from Josh."
Johnson said the club was still very much active in the transfer market, with Tottenham Hotspur youngster Dennis Cirkin said to be closing in on a move.
"We're still very much looking," Johnson said.
"I've obviously missed today in with preparation for the game, but we're ever hopeful."