Bowman: This team can reach more finals

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Under-19s head coach reflects on defeat in PGA Under-21 Cup final.

Matt Bishop

2026-04-27T10:00+01:00

Dani Bowman's side had beaten Arsenal in the semi-finals. 📸 by Paul Hazlewood.

Women’s under-19s head coach Dani Bowman said her side ‘will be back’ after suffering extra-time heartbreak against Birmingham in Saturday’s PGA Under-21 Cup final.

Albion were 1-0 up against the Blues in the third minute of second half stoppage time but conceded a late leveller before losing 2-1 after 120 minutes, but Bowman was defiant following the final whistle.

“We are devastated to lose and we have a lot of upset girls right now, but we will come back from this,” said Bowman.

Taylor Warren put Albion in front just before half-time in the PGA Under-21 Cup final. 📸 by Simon Davies.

“The goals were a killer and they’re the main disappointment, but we are really proud of the squad. This was their first PGA Cup final but with the group we’ve got and the players we have in our system, it won’t be their last.

“The message I said to the squad afterwards was ‘don’t forget this feeling, use this disappointment to fuel yourselves and you will be back.’”

Albion played well at Loughborough University Stadium and Taylor Warren’s first half strike was the least they deserved after dominating for long spells, but Bowman’s side couldn’t make the most of their second half openings to extend their lead.

Albion were full value for their lead on the day, but conceded late into second half injury time, before Birmingham scored the winner in extra time. 📸 by Simon Davies.

In the end, Bowman’s young side paid the price – but Albion’s head coach was full of praise for her squad’s superb attitude.

“Sometimes you need a bit of ruthlessness, especially in a cup final, to take your chances – but I can’t fault any of the girls. Their attitude has been faultless all season and they’ve given everything for the badge.

“We were in control and played some great football, but conceding twice so late is a gut wrencher – but that’s development football and we have a great group, they will learn from this.”