FC Halifax Town: Pearson sad to see Shaymen's demise

Pearson also experienced disappointment when current club Accrington lost in the League Two play-off semi-finals last term.

“We did OK last season but it means nothing now, it’s a fresh start, like it is for Halifax,” he said.

“I was gutted they went down, but that’s football for you.

“I couldn’t see that coming at all when I left with the players you had like Kevin Roberts, James Bolton, Richard Peniket.

“It was a shame but it’s a great club and I’m sure they’ll bounce back. I was impressed with them (on Saturday).

“I was made up for Macca (Scott McManus) to get the winner at Wembley but gutted for him to be out injured.”

Pearson feels he has benefited from his 12 months in full-time football.

“It’s just a bit more professional. You’re not part-time anymore, you’re working day in, day out on what you’re going to be doing,” he said.

“I think it’s been good for me.

“I’ve slightly changed the position I play as well.

“I play either full-back, and I’ve played centre-half as well.

“With me playing central midfield when I was at Halifax, I think I’ve adapted well and that experience has helped me be more composed when I get the ball.

“I feel like I’ve competed well and I feel I performed well last season.”

The 23-year-old is determined to go one step further this season with Accrington after suffering two painful play-off defeats in his career so far.

“It’s a tough league,” he added. “You’ve just got to get your head down, work hard and hopefully things go your way.

“It’s good to go to the grounds we did like Portsmouth, Luton - I’ve played in some really good atmospheres in that league.

“I’ve been one game away from a play-off final twice now - once with Halifax when we played Cambridge then last season with Accrington, so I need to break that curse now.”