KEIGHLEY'S England C international Matty Pearson has left FC Halifax Town to joined League Two side Accrington Stanley.

The former Rochdale midfielder follows the likes of Jamie Vardy, Lee Gregory, Dan Gardner and Liam Hogan in making the step up from the Shaymen to the Football League.

Pearson, who hails from Oakbank School pupil, originally joined Halifax on loan but made the move permanent two summers ago and was a popular player with the fans for his style of play.