A motorist who tried to mow down a former Maidstone United footballer in a road rage row is facing years behind bars.

Aaron Mullis, 25, drove at 30-year-old defender Mario McNish three times after a fight at traffic lights, the Old Bailey heard.

Mr McNish managed to dive out the way as Mullis' Ford Mondeo smashed into the roadside barrier.

Mullis told the court he had accidentally “pressed the wrong pedal” but he was convicted of attempting to cause grievous bodily harm and dangerous driving.

The jury cleared him of attempting to murder the footballer.

The row started in Sydenham, London, when Mr McNish was driving home from training in his Mercedes.

He stopped at a set of traffic lights and beeped his horn at Mullis when the lights turned green.

Mullis jumped out of his car to remonstrate with the footballer, who punched him in the face, breaking his jaw.

Mullis then got back into this car and tried to reverse into Mr McNish, smashing through metal fencing on the side of the road.

A passenger then hit McNish's Mercedes with a piece of car bumper before they drove off.

Mullis was arrested at his home after the incident October 17 last year.

He told the court he got out to speak to Mr McNish because he thought the footballer was trying to attract his attention.

He said his passenger started fighting with Mr McNish and he tried to split them up.

“I didn't want to fight. I was doing my best,” he said.

He claimed he panicked when he got back into the car and may have driven towards the victim accidentally.

The footballer has also played for Brentford in west London and Fisher Athletic in south London.

Mullis, of Ravensbourne Road, Catford, denied attempted murder, attempting to cause grievous bodily harm with intent and dangerous driving.

He is due to be sentenced on September 30 after reports have been prepared.