An early Eric Mmata strike is all Tusker needed to beat Bandari FC in an entertaining week 18-FKF Premier League tie staged at the Ruaraka Grounds on Wednesday afternoon.Heading to the game, the Brewers were looking for their third league win a row while Bandari were out to get their fifth in six games.The hosts got to a dream start when Eric Mmata, making a rare start found the back of the net in the 6th minute. Shami Kibwana raced down the left flank, beat Omar Sobomwana before crossing the ball for the attack tap in.Bandari had a chance to hit back five minutes later when they won a freekick outside the area. Former a tusker defender, Rodgers Aloro stepped forward to take but was denied by Brian Bwire who is seeking to make the starting berth between the posts his own after Patrick Matasi’s departure to Kenya Police FC. Harambee Stars coach Engin Firat promises surprise call-ups for Burundi friendliesThe early setback appeared to have rattled the Dockers who started to attack more in search of goals. James Kinyanjui down the right appeared to be their main attacking outlet but Daniel Sakari managed to contain him preventing dangerous crosses from the right. The midfield battle went the Dockers’ way.Another good chance went the Brewers’ way in the 23rd minute when Mmata set up Jackson Macharia only for the midfielder to sky his effort from a few yards out. Moments later both teams were forced to make changes through injuries. Tom Teka was replaced by Michael Kibwage for Tusker while Fidel Origa’s place was taken by debutant Michael Kibwage.The chances fizzled as the clock ticked. Bandari had a couple of penalty appeals waved away by the referee. The first half ended in Tusker’s favour.Seven minutes into the second half, Deogratius Ojok who had been silent for the entire first half nearly doubled Tusker’s lead but his header from a Sakari long throw narrowly went on the wrong side of the crossbar.At the hour mark the Brewers made three changes. Kibwana, Saphan Oyugi and Mmata were rested for Humphrey Mieno, Eric Zakayo, and Lawrence Luvanda. Bandari introduced Joe Waithira and Enock Momanyi for Abdallah Hassan and Amos Asembeka. Macharia had a go on Bandari goal in the 70th minute but keeper Michael Wanyika was equal to the task denying him with a fine stop.Substitute Johanna Mwita, making his second debut for the club should have drawn the Dockers level in the 81st minute before being teed up by Kinyanjui but his connection was wild and rolled out for a throw in.Bandari has a stoppage time penalty waved away as the hosts held on to pick maximum points.Tusker FC starting XI: Brian Bwire, Kevin Monyi, Daniel Sakari, Tom Teka, Charles Momanyi, David Odoyo, Saphan Oyugi, Eric Mmata, Deogratius Ojok, Jackson Macharia, Shami MwinyiSubs: Michael Wanjala, Michael Kibwage, Jimmy Mbugua, Rodgers Ouma, Humphrey Mieno, Lawrence Luvanda, Stewart Omondi, Eric Zakayo, Eric OtienoBandari FC starting XI: Michael Wanyika, Omar Sobomwana, Mohamed Siraj, Andrew Juma, Rodgers Aloro, Fidel Origa, Amos Asembeka, Abdallah Hassan, William Wadri, Umaru KasumbaSubs:Joseph Ochuka, Brian Otieno, Ronny Otieno, Daglas Mokaya, Johanna Mwita, Chris Ochieng, Enock Momanyi, Dennis Magige, Joe Waithira
