SOMETIMES you have to be thankful for small mercies.

A workmanlike point against the team next-to-bottom of the Football League is hardly a triumph.

But a revamped Albion managed to stop the rot after six straight defeats.

More importantly they stemmed the flow of giveaway goals in a dour deadlock dominated by a bumpy pitch and swirling wind.

Afirst clean sheet away from home since the win at Hull on November 10 is a good starting point for a revival and Jeff Wood's trio of defensive newcomers.

Keith McPherson, Phil King and Lee Doherty all had sound debuts.

McPherson looks a reliable acquisition. King, playing his first League game for 16 months, will get better as he gets fitter and Doherty did well when you consider he is only 19 and had not previously made a senior appearance.

King had Albion's best and virtually only effort on goal, a free-kick from long range midway through the first half which was tipped over by Martin Hollund.

Substitute Paul Baker's admission to Doherty after the match that the youngster's challenge 18 minutes from time was not worthy of a penalty vindicated referee Frazer Stretton.

Mark Ormerod had marginally more to do than the unemployed Hollund. He smothered a clean early chance for Stuart Irvine but was not called into serious action again until deep into stoppage time, when he tipped over Baker's header.

The provider on that occasion was Peter Beardsley, whose influence was limited by Wood's decision to use the fit-again Ross Johnson in an unfamiliar holding midfield role.

Duncan McArthur can also be satisfied with his first senior appearance, although there were very few opportunities for him to demonstrate that he has a sweet left foot.

New Hartlepool manager Chris Turner must be chummy with Larry O'Connell, the British judge in that controversial world heavyweight title fight.

His side have now drawn all four matches since he took charge and Scarborough have narrowed the gap to three points with a game in hand.

At least Albion are not facing such a nerve-wracking plight for the third season in succession.

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