RELEASED by Cherries almost two years ago, Carl Preston could have been forgiven for thinking his chance on the big stage had disappeared.

After making two first-team appearances as a 17-year-old, the wide man looked set for a promising Dean Court career.

But with opportunities limited following the sacking of Jimmy Quinn, Preston’s association with Cherries was ended after his apprenticeship.

A brief spell with Weymouth failed to work out, leading the talented winger back to familiar surroundings.

Born in Poole, Preston had enjoyed a productive stint with his hometown club while on work experience from Cherries.

Looking for somewhere to find his feet, Tatnam seemed the perfect venue. And so it has proved.

Now, having contributed heavily to Poole Town’s Wessex League dominance, Preston is one game away from getting the chance to shine on the biggest stage of all.

With the FA Vase final at Wembley within touching distance, the flying winger has an ideal opportunity to put firmly behind him his previous setbacks.

Preston admitted it would be a “dream come true” to make it to the showpiece and his desire to progress his career remains strong.

Asked how Saturday’s semi-final first leg, played in front of 1,652 spectators, compared with the games he had featured in for AFC Bournemouth, Preston said: “It is what I want to play in every week. It is where I want to be. So, hopefully, in my career, it will happen for me.

“Whether it is next year or in a few years’ time, if my chance comes I will take it with both hands.

“In big games like Saturday, you never know who is watching you. Even in league games, you have always got to play your best and give 100 per cent. Hopefully, it will go well in the future.”

If his recent performances are anything to go by, higher-level clubs could do worse than to ponder the possibility of giving Preston a second chance.

The rumour was that a number of Football League scouts were at Tatnam at the weekend and, if they were, his would be the name most likely to have been scribbled in their notebooks.

With the Whitley Bay choir in fine voice and a folk duo extolling the virtues of Dorset, there was plenty of singing off the pitch at Saturday’s big game.

But on the Tatnam turf, Preston was the man calling the tune. Weaving his magic on the left flank, Poole’s star was busy leading the opposing backline a merry dance.

Identified by Ian Chandler as one of the men his side needed to contain, the Bay manager must have been tearing out his hair as Preston gave the Vase holders food for thought ahead of the second leg.

“The left winger is quality,” admitted Chandler in his post-match interview. “We had a plan, in terms of marking him, which the team chose not to bother with for the first 45 minutes!”

Preston may well be a marked man for the return fixture at Hillheads Park – but that does nothing to dampen his enthusiasm and confidence about Dolphins’ hopes.

“We have seen what they have got and we know we can go up there and get the result we need,” he said, after dominant Poole had squandered a 1-0 lead to lose 2-1 late on.

Poole’s goal came thanks to the brilliance of Preston.

A direct runner with neat close control, he roared past the Bay defence before firing home a low shot, with his weaker right foot.

“I just picked it up and thought I would have a crack at it,” said the modest playmaker.

“Luckily, it paid off because the lads said there were two easy balls to pass off. I think Tommy (Killick, Poole’s manager) would have really had a go at me if I had messed it up!”

If Preston continues to produce performances like his latest show-stopper, Wembley is not out of the question. And Killick will have little to complain about.