DannyStevens then got behind the Burton defence to fire in a low cross that Benyon almost connected with, but could only give away a free-kick for handball.
The goal left Cambridge stunned and Torquay almost had a second moments later, Dan Gleeson doing brilliantly to block Benyon's inviting ball and hook it out - with DannyStevens lurking with intent.
After kick-off was delayed because of crowd congestion, Torquay went closest to scoring in a cagey opening 30 minutes, when DannyStevens saw a fierce shot from the edge of the area swerve a fraction wide.