Rotherham United: Warne hails "monumental" effort from his players despite Portsmouth defeat

The Millers were beaten by their promotion rivals on the south coast by Ben Close's 66th-minute strike after Freddie Ladapo had twice pulled his side level.

The visitors had to play the final 10 minutes with ten men after Billy Jones went off injured after Warne had made all three substitutes.

It was an entertaining game that left Warne proud of his men, even though they went down to a first away defeat in League One since the end of September.

“It was a really good game," said Warne. "Both teams were going for it. It could have finished 6-6.

"It was a monumental effort from the lads. They gave me everything. You don't get what you deserve sometimes.

"I'd been positive and made a double substitution then Billy pulls his hamstring so we we're a man down.

“Clark Robertson was in agony with his groin as well so we played the last ten minutes with virtually nine men.

"I thought we were the stronger side first half. We should have probably got one or two more goals and could have gone in comfortably in the lead.

“I felt really comfortable at 2-2.

“I honestly believed we were going to get something.

"It's disappointing to lose. It's a long way to come. We took the game to them even with ten men.

"It sounds stupid but I leave here feeling quite happy.

“The lads gave me everything and I’ve just said to them. I’m really proud to be their manager. If they stick together like they did there we’ll have a really enjoyable season.”