SLOWLY but surely, Micky Adams is moulding the Albion team he wants.

The most significant aspect of a first home win since November was that half of the outfield starting line-up, and half of the matchday squad, were his signings.

The balance will have shifted further by the time the transfer window shuts and even more so by the start of next season, with a number of players out of contract in the summer.

Two of the most recent recruits, Calvin Andrew and Seb Carole, played leading roles in a comeback victory which could be a turning point in fortunes at Withdean, despite a deteriorating pitch.

Andrew wasted no time in winning over any doubters, sceptical about a signing from traditional adversaries Crystal Palace.

He launched his loan spell for the rest of the season with an accomplished version of the target man role, capped by a last-minute winner.

Adams said: “I thought he was excellent. He won an enormous amount in the air, which gives you confidence.

“At least you can set your team around somebody that, 90 per cent of the time, is going to win the ball.

“We improved with him in the side and it was as good a debut as you will see. He was different class.”

Albion now have in Andrew, new arrival Craig Davies, the ever-reliable Nicky Forster and the currently sidelined Glenn Murray an abundance of firepower to climb away from danger.

Strikers need service and Carole delivered instantly on his return to Withdean.

When Adams introduced the little Frenchman on the right flank at the expense of Chris Birchall, it did not go down well with the manager’s critics behind the dugout.

That was no reflection on Carole quitting the club for Leeds three years ago. They probably felt Dean Cox deserved to be replaced, rather than Birchall.

Vindication was immediate for Adams. Cox’s deep cross picked out Carole beyond the far post and, with his first touch, he volleyed back across the face of goal for Forster to convert his 12th of the season from point blank range.

Adams’ substitutions paid off not once but twice. With parity restored just inside the hour, Cox was subsequently replaced by Kevin McLeod on the left.

Hey presto, McLeod it was who delivered the type of quality cross he has in his armoury but which we have seen too infrequently for the soaring Andrew to devour towards the near post.

Adams said: “I’m paid to make decisions. We can all sit in the stands sometimes and play football manager.

“I decided Seb Carole would give us an impetus. That was no reflection on what Chris Birchall had done.

“I can’t be worried about what the fans are thinking. I’ve got to do what I think is best and stand there and be as brave as I can be.

“Seb travels well with the ball, delivered a couple of great crosses and put one on a plate for Fozzie.

“It was similar with Kevin McLeod. Could he deliver us one cross? He did that and the big man (Andrew) was on the end of it.”

As well as Andrew, Carole and the gradually improving Birchall, Jason Jarrett had an encouraging home debut.

His height, strength, poise in possession and forward runs from the middle of the park caught the eye.

It is too early to give up also on the permanent signings made by Adams before the start of the season.

Adam Virgo did not have one of his better games at right-back but he has already gone a long way to justifying his return to the club.

You get the feeling the best is still to come from the enigmatic McLeod and David Livermore, who performed adequately in the problem left-back position which surely be filled before the transfer window slams shut.

The harshly derided Colin Hawkins, an unused substitute, could have a part to play again soon too at the heart of the defence, with Tommy Elphick a yellow card away from another suspension.

The back four had an uncomfortable afternoon against the twin threat of Daniel Nardiello and Joel Porter and the nifty Matty Robson out on the left.

John Sullivan, made four good saves, two in each half to deny Nardiello on his debut on loan from Blackpool and Robson.

For once a bit of luck was on Albion’s side after Porter burrowed his way in from the left and crossed for captain Michael Nelson to volley in from close range in the 19th minute.

Early in the second half, Nardiello side-footed over on the volley from ten yards and then had strong claims for a penalty when Elphick leant into him.

The referee also missed a handball on the edge of his own box by Virgo shortly before Andrew scored so preciously.

That ensured the hard-earned point at leaders Leicester was not wasted and one defeat in six hints at a recovery for the team that Adams is assembling.

Albion (4-4-2): Sullivan; Virgo, Elphick, Hinshelwood, Livermore; Birchall, El-Abd, Jarrett, Cox; Forster, Andrew. Subs: Carole for Birchall (withdrawn 56), McLeod for Cox (withdrawn 77), Kuipers, Hawkins, Loft.

Goals: Forster (59), Andrew (90).

Yellow card: Elphick (88) foul.

Hartlepool (4-4-2): Lee-Barrett; Sweeney, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys; Monkhouse, Liddle, Jones, Robson; Nardiello, Porter. Subs: McCunnie for Sweeney (injured 73), Budtz, Collins, Mackay, Henderson.

Goal: Nelson (19).

Yellow card: Nelson (90) foul.

Give your views on that last-gasp victory