Despite playing the entire second half with a numerical disadvantage following Dennis Adeniran's dismissal in first-half stoppage time, Slough briefly threatened to pull off an upset when Saikou Janneh fired them ahead from the penalty spot early in the second half.

But Torquay responded emphatically, scoring five times after the break to turn the contest on its head and leave the Rebels rooted near the foot of the table with just four points from 11 league matches.

There were debut starts for goalkeeper Killian Barrett and defender Terell Thomas, who both impressed during a resilient first-half display from the visitors.

Torquay made the brighter start and created two chances inside the opening four minutes. Cody Cooke fired over from close range before Sean Robertson headed narrowly wide as the hosts looked to impose themselves early.

Slough gradually settled into the contest and frustrated the promotion hopefuls, with a disciplined defensive shape limiting clear opportunities.

The Rebels fashioned chances of their own, with Janneh heading wide from a Jared Myers delivery before again failing to hit the target when left unmarked at the back post.

Thomas produced an excellent challenge midway through the first half after a misplaced Slough pass allowed Torquay to break, while Elijah Oladunjoye was also called upon to make important defensive interventions.

The game's defining moment arrived on the stroke of half-time.

Adeniran, who had been booked in the 42nd minute, received a second yellow card in stoppage time and was sent off, leaving Slough facing the second half with 10 men.

Both sides reshuffled at the interval, but it was the visitors who struck first.

Kyle Brooks was brought down inside the penalty area and Janneh coolly converted from the spot, sending Toby Savin the wrong way to put Slough ahead against his former club.

The lead lasted only two minutes.

Torquay immediately introduced Matt Jay from the bench and the substitute had an instant impact, firing low beyond Barrett from the edge of the box to level the scores.

The hosts completed the turnaround in the 70th minute when Barrett could only parry Angelo Cappello's effort and Callum Morton reacted quickest to convert the rebound.

With the extra man beginning to tell, Torquay pushed relentlessly for more.

Barrett produced several smart saves to keep Slough in contention, denying Jacob Beaumont-Clark on more than one occasion, but he could do little to stop the winger eventually adding a third in the 87th minute with a confident strike into the bottom corner.

Three minutes later, Luke Browne drilled home from outside the area after Morton teed him up on the edge of the box.

There was still time for Beaumont-Clark to grab his second and Torquay's fifth in stoppage time, wriggling free inside the area before finishing low past Barrett.

The defeat leaves Slough still searching for momentum in a difficult start to the campaign, with Scott Davies' side now turning their attention to next Saturday's home clash against Horsham at Arbour Park.