CONGRATULATIONS to ‘Black Cats’ fan Trevor Hall on winning The Northern Echo Christmas Crossword (Echo, Feb 12).

However Trevor, try not to lose faith completely in Sunderland AFC.

I have been a Darlington FC supporter since my first appearance at Feethams in the 1957-58 season.

My earliest programme is against Rochdale in the 1960-61 season. Prior to this my pocket money wouldn’t stretch to buying one. We haven’t had much to shout about over the years but we have had our moments.

I was one of the 21,023 squashed into Feethams in November 1960 when we entertained the mighty Bolton Wanderers of the then first division in the 3rd round of the League Cup losing 2-1.

Dare I say it I still have the programme for that match in the attic. I have to say over the years you could never blame the team for lack of effort (remember Lance Robson). Likewise today’s team.

Given the option of watching Manchester United v Liverpool or Darlington v North Ferriby United, the latter would definitely be my choice. I wonder if I lack ambition.

My aim is to stay alive until the club regain their position in the Football League. Therefore I think I have a lot of years to come but I hope I am not being too negative regarding the club’s position.

Mike Taylor, Darlington