Footballer walks away from car crash - and two days later scores a hat-trick

Sunderland player Beth Mead said her life flashed before her eyes as she flipped her Seat Ibiza three times into a ditch on the North York Moors.

She walked away from the write-off with just cuts and bruises, but two days later cut a swathe through the defence of Chelsea Ladies in a 4-0 victory.

“It was the worst experience of my life,” said the 20-year-old of the crash.

“I was just in a state of panic, it was flipping over and I just thought the worst was about to happen.”

The accident happened near her home in Hinderwell, near Whitby, when she swerved to avoid a deer.

“I spotted it on the road and just tried to avoid it but I clipped a sign – I just control and the next thing I know I’m going through the air.”

She added: “I got through the night and had a medical the next day – I don’t think anybody gave me a chance to play.”

Ms Mead, who has represented her country at under-23 level, added: “I now appreciate every moment that I’m given.”