FORMER Concord Rangers goalkeeper Lamar Johnson has had his year-long ban from football reduced to nine months.

The current Grays Athletic stopper was suspended from all “footballing activity” until January 1, 2015, and was fined £550 for an incident after a Ryman Premier League match against Bury Town last September where it is understood he overturned tables and smashed a glass.

Although he initially saw his appeal to the Football Association overturned, a recent hearing has seen the ban reduced by three months, meaning he will be able to return to action in September.

Johnson said he was pleased at the ruling but faced a battle to get back into the side.

“It is good the ban has been reduced as I won’t miss much of next season,” he said.

“However, I face a battle to get back into the side as George Kamurasi has put in some really good performances.”