Matt Paine makes sure the ball ends up in the Torquay net. (Image: Archant)
Daniel Sparkes smashed a hat-trick as Braintree Town condemned Torquay United to their biggest home league defeat in almost 20 years on Tuesday night.
Sparkes scored either side of a John Campbell equaliser to put the visitors ahead at half time.
And he completed his hat-trick with a left-footed shot before Matt Paine and Ryan Peters secured a win for Braintree on their first visit to Torquay.
The Gulls had not lost as heavily at home since going down to a club-record 8-1 loss to Scunthorpe in October 1995.
Braintree moved into 15th place in the Conference, with the Gulls dropping to 17th.
The Iron now face Telford next Tuesday.
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