Albion bounced back to winning ways in an amazing match.

Bobby Zamora hit a hat-trick and Nathan Jones two to end a run of three straight defeats in League and Cup for the Seagulls.

Six goals came in an extraordinary first half in the Argus-sponsored feast for fans in a 5,804 Withdean crowd.

Zamora headed Micky Adams' revitalised side into a 10th minute lead from a Paul Watson cross.

Gary Hart's first of the season made it 2-0 on 20 minutes, when Torquay's makeshift defence failed to clear the recalled Kerry Mayo's long throw.

Jones celebrated his second start since a summer move from Southend by firing home a left foot shot from Mayo's quick throw on the half-hour.

Kevin Parker pulled a goal back for Torquay on 33 minutes with an angled left foot drive.

Substitute Jules Mendy further reduced the arrears five minutes later while Albion were temporarily reduced to ten men, with Matthew Wicks forced off on his debut for treatment to a head wound.

Jones gave the Seagulls breathing space again with a thumping header from another Watson centre moments before the break.

Zamora scored Albion's fifth on 64 minutes with a far post header from Mayo's cross.

Torquay had big central defender Jimmy Aggrey sent off on 75 minutes following an off-the-ball incident with Hart.

The visitors' misery was complete five minutes from time when Zamora completed his hat-trick with a low left foot shot from Jones' cross.

Zamora has now notched five goals this season following his £100,000 move from Bristol Rovers and 11 in 12 games in total after his prolific loan spell last term which included a hat-trick at Chester.