Ethan Bristow: 'We've shown the senior side what we can do with cup win'

Photo: Berks & Bucks FA

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Reading FC u23s defender Ethan Bristow has hailed his fellow teammates and said they ‘cruised’ to victory over Ascot United in the Berks & Bucks Senior Cup final on Saturday afternoon.

At 20-years-old, Bristow was the eldest Royal on show at the weekend and was instrumental in the 4-0 win, first offering his services on the wing and then in defence as the game progressed.

Speaking to the Advertiser at full-time, Bristow was quick to hand the praise to his team who, he believed, showed Reading’s senior side ‘what they can do’ and what they can potentially offer next season.

“I think the boys really dug in today as it was always going to be a tough game against men,” he said.

“We probably had the least experience in the cup and were one of the youngest sides. At 20-years-old, I was the oldest on the pitch.

“Like I said, it was tough to begin with but after that, I think we cruised the game to be honest if you look at the scoreline.

“I started off at winger which isn’t my usual position – I just fancied playing there to be honest. I later played left centre-back which was not my normal position again, but I think I did well.

“But listen, I think all the lads done well today and put their names out there. We’ve shown the first team what we can do in a tough and rough game.”

Disappointingly, Reading FC u23s finished their campaign in the Premier League Division Two in last place having won five matches, drawn eight, and lost 13.

Scooping the silverware at the weekend will undoubtedly give the side more confidence for next season however, according to Bristow.

“Obviously, this season wasn’t great from a league point of view but that’s mainly because everyone is quite young. We had 16-year-olds and 19-year-olds playing but I think next year will be completely different.

“The lads have got confidence now after winning today. It would be good to see a few kick on and get into the first team, have a handful more Championship starts, including myself.”