The Night City Legends, Hore and Saxton, Took on Pele

40 years ago, Johhny Hore and Bobby Saxton took on the Brazilian team Santos which included the great Pele.

On 14th March 1973, 37,639 football fans packed in to Home Park. Kick off delayed due to the Santos players demanding extra money from Plymouth Argyle Chairman Robert Daniel. That money was raised, but the full amount not handed over until they attended an after match reception.

Despite a late resurgence by the Brazilians, led by Pele, the Pilgrims hung on for a 3-2 win.

Johnny Hore bagged Pele’s shirt, but he wasn’t allowed to keep it. It was hung up in the Home Park board room.

Line-ups:-

Argyle: Furnell (Aleksic), Provan, Sullivan, Hore, Saxton, Hague, Dowling, Rickard; Hinch (Davey), Latcham, Welsh.
Santos: Claudio, Alberto, Murias, Hermes, Leo, Marcal, Jair, Brecha (Pitico), Pitico (Vincente), Alcindo, Pele, Edu.
Scorers: Argyle – Dowling, Rickard, Hinch — Santos – Pele (pen), Edu
Referee: Mr C. Nicholls (Plymouth)
Attendance: 37,639