Bashley defender Luke Whitley says he has no regrets about leaving Poole Town – even though it could cost him a dream date at Wembley.

Whitley opted to take a significant step up the non-league ladder when he quit Tatnam in the summer to test himself in the top flight of the Southern League.

A two-times winner of the Poole supporters’ player-of-the-year award, Whitley moved on after helping the Dolphins win back-to-back Wessex League titles.

Although ground-grading issues have continued to blight Poole’s promotion bid, remaining at step five has given them a chance to have another crack at winning the FA Vase.

But while Whitley was keen to wish well his former club in their quest for silverware, the ambitious 26-year-old also said his decision to leave had been vindicated.

Whitley, who has established himself as a regular for Bashley, told the Daily Echo: “I don’t have any regrets whatsoever. Of course, it is every player’s dream to play at Wembley but it is just a one-off thing.

“You can’t put a price on what I’m doing at Bashley. I have always wanted to test myself at the highest level possible and am now playing two leagues higher. I am loving every minute of it. It is a fantastic club with a great manager and I am enjoying it.”

Poole-born Whitley spent five years with the Dolphins, playing alongside Micky Hubbard who this week turned down the chance to move to Bashley in favour of staying at Tatnam.

“I am still good friends with Micky,” said Whitley. “Fair play to him, that was his decision. Perhaps the Vase run was in the back of his mind, which was understandable for him. It was his choice and good luck to him.

“Poole are doing very well and have got a good chance of reaching Wembley. If they can get the ground issues sorted out, they are definitely favourites to win the league as well so, hopefully, they will go up.”

Whitley played a starring role in midweek as Bash recorded back-to-back home league wins for the first time this season courtesy of a 2-1 victory over Banbury United.

First-half goals from Mark Gamble and Chris Knowles sandwiched a Rob Maddox effort as Riley’s men moved into ninth place in the Premier Division.

“We had to dig in to get the points,” said Whitley. “It was great to follow up Saturday’s win over Truro.

“We are in with an outside chance of making the play-offs and just need to get as many points on the board as we can and see where it takes us.”