ALBION boss Jeff Wood has praised his hat-trick of new signings for halting the Seagulls' losing run.

Keith McPherson, Phil King and Lee Doherty all made their debuts in Saturday's 0-0 draw at relegation-haunted Hartlepool.

Wood was satisfied with Albion's first point for seven games and first clean sheet away since the start of November.

"Those three defenders made the difference," he said. "Phil and Keith are experienced players and that showed. They knew where to be at the right time.

"Lee had an excellent debut as well. He will be one for the future." Hartlepool had a second-half appeal for a penalty rejected when Doherty challenged substitute Paul Baker.

The teenager, signed by Albion from Charlton for the rest of the season, revealed: "He told me afterwards it wasn't a penalty. I didn't touch him.

"He cut across me and I was going to grab him, but I knew he was going to dive."

Wood was also delighted with the contribution of youth team midfielder Duncan McArthur on his debut.

Albion have dropped a place to 14th, despite stopping the rot.

Gary Hart, doubtful before the game with a bruised foot, limped off in the closing stages, but Andy Arnott is available again after suspension for Saturday's home game against Barnet.

ALBION fans get a chance tonight to quiz Dick Knight.

The chairman and fellow director Martin Perry are due to attend a meeting of the Brighton Independent Supporters Association at the Island Nightclub on Hove seafront (7.30).

Knight has not yet commented on Stephen Purdew's written offer to pour millions of pounds into the cash-strapped Seagulls.

The Argus exclusively revealed on Friday that health farm entrepeneur Purdew is prepared to make a huge cash injection in return for a controlling interest, with Knight remaining as chairman.

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