Goals from Martin Phillips and Tony Bedeau moved Torquay, who are battling against relegation to the Conference, up to fourth from bottom in League Two with a fine 2-0 win against the high-flying O’s.

But it wasn’t all plain sailing – because when the floodlights at Plainmoor failed with seven minutes to go it looked like the game would be abandoned.

In fact, the players waited 41 minutes for the lights to come back on before Torquay deservedly clinched victory to give their survival hopes a major boost.
"I do have a certain glow of satisfaction," admitted Torquay chairman Mike Bateson afterwards.

In the Championship, Coventry are also on the march under Micky Adams – thanks to England old boy Dennis Wise.

The veteran scored twice against Brighton as the Sky Blues won 2-0, while England Under 21 star Leroy Lita added two more to his goals tally as leaders Reading won 4-3 at Crewe.

In League One, last week’s FA Cup heroes Brentford deserve a mention for their 5-0 drubbing of Walsall, especially after losing goalscoring star Dudley Campbell to Birmingham City in the transfer window.

Goals from captain Ricky Newman, Isaiah Rankin, Sam Sodje, Paul Brooker and Kevin O’Connor proved there is life after DJ for Martin Allen’s men – and puts them in a good frame of mind for The FA Cup Fifth Round clash at Charlton.

There were also some memorable performances in the Premiership, where Aston Villa scored a fine 4-0 away victory at Middlesbrough with a hat-trick from young England Under 21 star Luke Moore.

And also in the North East, former England striker Alan Shearer finally broke Jackie Milburn’s all-time goalscoring record by hitting his 201st goal for the club in a 2-0 victory over Portsmouth.

That was a wonderful personal achievement of course and deserves its own accolade - but it’s Torquay that get the nod as our Team of the Weekend.