If you should ever despair about the heart of Britain, take a trip to Everton... Sunderland supporter pens heartfelt letter to club

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A Sunderland supporter has penned a heartfelt letter to Everton Football Club, thanking them for the incredible welcome afforded to him by Toffees supporters during his visit to Goodison Park.

Roberto Martinez's side consigned the Black Cats to a forgettable 6-2 defeat in the Premier League fixture, but for one travelling fan it was a trip that will live long in the memory based on the sense of solidarity between rival supporters.

John Marshall was so impressed by the overall hospitality towards visitors that he took it upon himself to write to the Merseyside club in person to report the level of kindness towards him, his son and a friend shown by Evertonians in the city.

A Sunderland supporter wrote a letter to Everton thanking the club's fans for making him feel very welcome

The goodwill between sets of fans could be seen in how an Everton fundraiser was received by the visitors

In a letter picked up by the Liverpool Echo, the 52-year-old wrote:  'If you should ever despair about the heart of Britain or the strength of human nature - take a trip to Everton.

'Rarely in my life have I encountered such kindness and from an apparent foe. We didn't want to leave. After the game we got hopelessly lost looking for our lift and a complete stranger put us in his car and drove us to the car park.' 

The entire of Goodison rose in unison to celebrate the life of Howard Kendall in the fourth minute of the game, and the good nature was also reflected in former Everton midfielder Jack Rodwell's reception when he emerged from the dugout as a first-half substitute for Lee Cattermole.

Arouna Kone's first hat-trick in English football brought Sam Allardyce's side back down to earth after the euphoria of beating rivals Newcastle 3-0 at the Stadium of Light last weekend. 

Travelling Sunderland fans arriving at Goodison on Sunday found the home supporters to be very hospitable

There was little need for police presence among the well-behaved Everton and Sunderland supporters 

The Ivorian's treble came after Gerard Deulofeu had given the hosts the lead, and although Jermain Defoe and Steven Fletcher had temporarily brought the Mackems level, a Sebastian Coates own goal and a further strike from Romelu Lukaku ensured the points stayed firmly on Merseyside.

Despite the result, Mr Marshall is now keen to return the favour during the reverse fixture next year on March 12, after his faith in humanity was restored on his trip to the North West. 

He added: 'The people of Liverpool can be sure that their enduring legacy is their fabulous people.

'Thank you, thank you, thank you from the bottom of our hearts. Even the thrashing couldn't spoil a great day for the human race and football people everywhere.' 

Sunderland and Everton players and supporters came together to observe a minute's silence at Goodison

Former Toffees midfielder applauds both sets of supporters after returning to Goodison Park in the defeat