Sunderland fans bask in their rare 'ray of sunshine'

I'm no meteorologist but I am pretty sure the weather will be dry and temperate on Monday night at Hong Kong Stadium because it never seems to rain on Manchester United. Even God, it appears, roots for United.

Now Sunderland, that's a different matter. A downpour before their opening match of the Barclays Asia Trophy against Tottenham forced officials to move the starting time back a half hour. But no matter as the first half was still played under a steady drizzle. And yet for supporters of Sunderland nothing was going to dampen the rare chance to see their favourite side play in Hong Kong.

The Black Cats were founded in 1879 and have actually won six first division titles, but sadly none since 1936. Their last significant trophy was the FA Cup in 1973. Since then their most meaningful achievement appears to be avoiding relegation for the past six years. It can't be easy being a Sunderland fan. It's the type of misery that one would most likely have inherited.

"My mum's brother basically threatened me and told me I would be a Sunderland fan so it's a family tradition," said Hong Kong-based Darren Harrison, who is the head of the local Sunderland supporters club.

Harrison grew up in the Sunderland area and seems quite pragmatic. "We know what our position in the football world is," he says.