Born in Middlesbrough, North Riding of Yorkshire, Pearce started his career with York City as an apprentice in August 1982.
[2] He signed a professional contract with the club in October 1983 and made his first team debut the following month, starting York's 3–2 victory away at Hartlepool United on 26 November.
[3] He played a useful part in York's 1983–84 season, making 18 appearances and scoring five goals in all competitions, as the side won the Fourth Division title.
[4] Pearce's season was brought to a premature end after breaking a leg while playing for the reserve team in April 1985.
[2] This kept him out of action until the 1985–86 season, with his return to the team coming on 19 November after starting York's 2–0 victory over non-League Morecambe in an FA Cup first round replay.