WANDERERS threw away a two-goal lead and a golden chance to claw back some points on the play-offs with a disappointing 3-2 defeat at The Valley.

The harsh sending off of Sam Ricketts for a second yellow card shortly after the restart proved to be the turning point of the game, with the Addicks hauling themselves into the lead within minutes.

But the Whites ended the game with nine men when sub Craig Davies was ludicrously handed two yellow cards within a few minutes at the bitter end – leaving a string of angry Wanderers players to confront the Rutland official at the final whistle.

In a manic opening few minutes Wanderers could have helped themselves to a hatful.

Chung-Yong Lee blasted wide from 12 yards and David Ngog strolled unchallenged into the penalty box before Ben Hamer made a good save at his feet.

When Marvin Sordell did something similar a few moments later the home fans hardly knew what had hit them – only the England Under-21 man made his effort count with a smart curling shot into the bottom corner for his seventh of the season.

Andy Lonergan made a smart block to deny Bradley Pritchard close in but when Medo doubled the lead after 20 minutes it looked plain sailing.

The Sierra Leone midfielder had acres of space to pick his spot after Ngog laid the ball into his path, and beat Hamer at his near post with a curling shot.

Jonnie Jackson led the fightback, producing some neat skill after Wanderers had failed to clear a corner to dance round Ricketts and drill a shot into the bottom corner.

Kermorgant had a chance to equalise too, dragging his shot wide after getting around Zat Knight.

But things were about to turn totally sour for Wanderers.

Ricketts had already been booked for a trip on lively winger Callum Harriott when he tangled legs with Ricardo Fuller to prompt referee Trevor Kettle into issuing a second caution.

No sooner had the Welshman disappeared down the tunnel, Kermorgant crashed a free kick against the post and Dorian Dervite slammed home the rebound.

Freedman had sent Danny Butterfield on for his debut, bringing off Sordell, but the Whites' task was made even harder when Fuller danced round Darren Pratley and drew a trip out of the midfielder to earn a penalty.

Kermorgant smashed home to give his side the lead, and one they were never in serious danger of relinquishing.

Indeed, it could have been worse for Wanderers as Harriott slid a shot into the side netting and Craig Dawson blocked a goalbound effort from Kermorgant.

Freedman threw on youngster Sami Odelusi on for his debut in an effort to get something out of the game but there would be no late chances despite seven minutes of added time.

The manager exchanged angry words with referee Kettle as he walked down the tunnel and at least one more yellow was dished out as the Whites' players had their say.