Get saving and behave yourself - these are two of the conditions for a Long Cross man to avoid prison.
Andrew Hodgkins admitted attacking Ian Turner after a long-running dispute.
Bristol Crown Court heard he grabbed him, head-butted him and pushed him to the ground in October last year.
Mr Turner was left needing hospital treatment for a cut head, which was glued, and a chipped ankle.
Hodgkins, 48, pleaded guilty to assault occasioning actual bodily harm outside Manor Farm Football Club, Bristol.
Judge Martin Picton deferred sentence for six months, until March 26 next year.
He told Hodgkins: "You caused a really serious injury to someone who didn't deserve it.
"He's had to live with a long period of physical and mental anguish.
"You could have absolutely no complaints it you went immediately to prison, and your family would suffer hideously as a result.
"They would be the real losers.
"I'm not yet persuaded that isn't what should happen."
The judge deferred sentence on the grounds that Hodgkins behaves sensibly and engages with rehabilitation.
He also told him: "Have money to hand over there and then so that the victim can at least get some financial compensation for what you did.
"Then I will find a way to suspend custody.
"If not I won't and you will only have yourself to blame."
The court heard Mr Turner was left with pain to his right ankle, which effected his ability to climb steps and ladders as a painter and decorator.
He said he had stopped playing darts for a pub team as he didn't want to encounter the defendant.
Charley Pattison, defending, said the men exchanged words after a "fairly long-running issue between the two of them".
She said her client was medicated for anxiety and depression and was engaging in online learning on the road to rehabilitation.
Miss Pattison told the court: "He wishes that he never did it.
"He wishes that he walked away from it.
"He could pay compensation though he has very limited means.
"Work is very up and down given the Covid situation."
