Both sides went into the game looking to kickstart their 2013/14 campaigns after suffering disappointing defeats last weekend and both had faces familiar to the opposition on view as Ian Morris lined up for Town against fellow midfielder Ben Harding for the Gulls.
Torquay boss Alan Knill had warned his side to expect a 'competitive game' while opposite number Aidy Boothroyd wanted his men to cut out the indiscipline that he had felt had cost in the matches at York and Southend.
1st Half: Having announced on Twitter that he was 'buzzin' ahead of the game, on-loan striker Jacob Blyth was as good as his word with the only goal of an opening 45 minutes dominated by the home side.
2nd Half: A stirring second-half fightback from the visitors got its reward in a six minute spell when Chapell netted twice to stun Sixfields.
And, despite their best late efforts, 1-2 is the way it stayed in front of 4,088. A disappointing day for Town who know their home form will once again be crucial to any promotion push.
Reaction: Torquay boss Alan Knill told his club's official website: "This is the third time we’ve come back from a goal down and to take the three points today is great reward for the hard work the players are putting in."
Aidy Boothroyd was furious with his side, blasting: "I'm really annoyed with one or two of the lads but I won't name names and that will remain behind closed doors."