Promotion-chasing Torquay recovered from an early setback to end 10-man Darlington`s eight-game unbeaten run with victory at Plainmoor.

Darlington took an 18th-minute lead when striker Barry Conlon volleyed home his 11th goal of the season.

But Torquay gradually took control with influential midfielder Alex Russell at the heart of everything they did.

Firstly, he laid on a deserved equaliser for Martin Gritton, who fired his 11th goal of the season after 22 minutes.

Then Russell struck home a spot-kick nine minutes later when Darlo defender Stuart Whitehead hauled down Gritton in the penalty area.

Whitehead was sent off and Russell held his nerve to fire home the resulting spot-kick.

Torquay wrapped up the points seven minutes after the interval when an excellent cross from Russell was neatly turned home by David Woozley.

Torquay: Dearden, Amankwaah, Hazell, Canoville, Woozley, Bedeau, Fowler, Russell, Hill, Kuffour, Gritton. Subs: Van Heusden, Hockley, Wills, Graham, Stevens.

Darlington: Collett, Betts, Liddle, Whitehead, Valentine, Hodgson, Keltie, Nicholls, Wainwright, Clarke, Conlon. Subs: Pearson, Clark, Maddison, Porter, Offiong.

Referee: P Danson (Leicestershire)