REACTION: Warne's pride as Millers hit back to draw

PAUL Warne praised the character of his Rotherham United players after they fought back to take a point against Birmingham City.
Paul Warne greets Blues boss Gianfranco Zola before kick-off.Paul Warne greets Blues boss Gianfranco Zola before kick-off.
Paul Warne greets Blues boss Gianfranco Zola before kick-off.

Danny Ward struck his 12th goal of the season late on to earn a 1-1 draw after Kerim Frei’s free-kick had looked like inflicting an 11th straight defeat on the Millers.

Millers chief Warne said: “If you are winning 1-0 and the other team equalises, you feel like you’ve lost. If you’re losing 1-0 and you equalise, it feels more like a win.

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“I was really proud of the lads. The first half was poor and the atmosphere had that end-of-season feel, the weirdest I’ve known since I’ve been here.

“In the second half it was really lively and bubbly and that’s how the New York Stadium should be. We were open but we were trying to score goals and that as a fan is what I want to see.

Will Vaulks tries to make headway in today's draw at the NYS.

“The character of the team was excellent. They they could have easily downed tools but they plugged away and although we came in with a draw and could have taken all three points, I’m still taking massive pride from the game.”

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The result gives relegated Rotherham a much-needed lift ahead of Monday’s trip to Championship play-off chasers Reading.

Warne added: “I’m pleased for the players because they don’t deserve to be losing 10, 11, 12 or 13 games on the bounce. I’m a proud man.”