Former Carlisle United striker Mark Beck has made a step up to the National League.

The ex-Blues youth product has joined Solihull Moors from National League North side Darlington.

Beck, 28, has moved up to non-league's top tier after a prolific first half of the season for Darlo.

His 18 goals in 28 appearances attracted interest from other clubs, and Solihull - 13th in the National League - have made their move.

Darlington said Solihull triggered a release clause in Beck's contract, allowing the club to speak to him.

The north east outfit said they could not match the terms Solihull had offered the big frontman, having tabled a two-and-a-half year deal.

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"We are naturally sorry to lose Mark given what he has achieved for us, and we wish him all the best for the future," a Darlington statement said.

Solihull boss Neal Ardley said of Beck: "Mark is a player I've known a long time, I lost a play-off final against his Harrogate side whilst I was at Notts [County], so I know exactly what he's about and the damage he can cause teams.

"I always think target men don't really come into their own until they're 25/26, and his goalscoring record for a target man is very, very good.

"He's technically very good and aerially he's brilliant, he knows where to be in the box and we're a team who like to get plenty of crosses in.

"I really think he'll be a big signing for us."

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Beck said he is in the best form of his career and hopes to help Solihull reach the play-offs.

"I'm a big man but I'm good with my feet as well," he said. "Hopefully the lads will be buzzing around me and can grab some more goals and assists."

Beck had joined Darlington last summer for a second spell, having left league Two club Harrogate Town.

The striker came through Eric Kinder's youth team at Carlisle before making the professional grade.

He scored ten goals in 77 first-team appearances from 2012-16, going on to have loan spells with Falkirk, Yeovil Town and Wrexham.

After leaving the Blues, he had spells at Darlington, Harrogate and York City on loan.