Alex Russell was a double hero in a League One basement battle at Peterborough, scoring Torquay United's goal and then producing a last-ditch tackle to halt David Farrell when a late home winner looked certain.
Torquay were denied an early breakthrough as home defender Simon Rea flung himself in the way of Jo Kuffour's shot, but Russell made no mistake with a superb strike on 35 minutes. The one-time Cambridge midfielder let fly from 25 yards when Posh only half cleared a free-kick and the ball flashed past a helpless Mark Tyler and off the underside of the crossbar and into the net.
After failing to make the most of midfield enterprise from skipper Curtis Woodhouse and youngster Andre Boucaud, Posh unlocked the Torquay defence thanks to one of Andy Legg's trademark long throws. The ex-Welsh international hurled the ball in from the left and veteran front man Andy Clarke claimed his third goal of the season with a soaring header.
Although Torquay defender Steve Woods moved up to head just over after the break, Posh, playing a first game since coach Bobby Gould sensationally walked out halfway through Wednesday's LDV Vans Trophy defeat at Bristol City, had the greater share of possession without seriously threatening until the late appearance of substitute Farrell.
Replacing out of touch Leon Constantine, Farrell first burst through to shoot tamely wide. But when he seemed set to make amends in a second break with four minutes left, Russell appeared from nowhere to halt his progress with a vital challenge.
Posh players appealed for a penalty but referee Alan Kaye was having none of it, although Torquay still had to survive another heart-stopping moment when Boucaud rattled the crossbar.