Holt was on target from the spot

Lambert curled home a free-kick after 12 minutes, but Torquay hit back instantly courtesy of Alan Connell's clever overhead kick.

Scott Warner restored the lead after 21 minutes, and the game was sealed after 52 minutes when Craig Taylor was sent off for handling Grant Holt's shot.

Holt scored the resulting penalty and Lambert later added his second goal as Steve Parkin's men cruised home.

Rochdale: Gilks, Clarke, Boardman, Gallimore, Goodall, Warner, Brisco (Brown 81), Cooksey, Sturrock (Jaszczun 78), Holt (Moyo-Modise 75), Lambert.
Subs Not Used: Woodhall, Griffiths.

Booked: Brisco.

Goals: Lambert 14, Warner 22, Holt 54 pen, Lambert 67.

Torquay: Marriott, Hockley, Taylor, Villis (Sako 55), Sharp, Constantine, Garner, Woods, Kuffour (Coleman 85), Bedeau (Hancox 28), Connell.
Subs Not Used: Skinner, Sow.

Sent Off: Taylor (52).

Booked: Sharp, Garner.

Goals: Connell 16.

Att: 2,388