Two early goals helped Leyton Orient secure victory as promotion-chasing Torquay were sent spinning to their first defeat in six League games.
Scott Canham, with a spectacular 25-yard volley that flew over Torquay goalkeeper Keith Welch into the far corner, gave Orient a dream start in the third minute.
Chris Tate then drilled in Orient's second from eight yards after Torquay made a mess of clearing Justin Miller's long throw 14 minutes later.
But Orient could consider themselves a little fortunate to be two goals to the good at that stage as Torquay created several early chances themselves with Jason Fowler twice going close - sending one header against the post.
Lively Tony Bedeau also threatened while Orient keeper Scott Barrett pulled off a good save from Martin Gritton after he waltzed around Miller.
In an end to end encounter the home side also had chances and Jabo Ibehre and Tate both had goals disallowed while skipper Dean Smith went close in the first half with a header following Matthew Lockwood's free-kick.
Tate almost stretched Orient's advantage on the stroke of half time with an overhead kick that flew into the arms of keeper Welch.
In the second half Torquay pressed forward but Orient defended doggedly and deservedly held on to take the points.
Orient manager Paul Brush said: "We looked like a team today and no goalkeeper in the world would have saved Scott Canham's volley. It was a tremendous strike.
"We showed a great deal of determination and tenacity. Torquay are a good side and it was never comfortable for us." Torquay manager Leroy Rosenior admitted: "It was a disappointing start but after that we dominated without creating too many chances.
"But I was delighted with our second-half performance the players drove forward and showed their character but nothing really fell for us. On another day we may well have got a result."