SUNDAY Shrimpers retained the Ernie Osborne Challenge Cup after an excellent 4-1 victory against Bridgelink.

The Shrimpers suffered a setback in the seventh minute when Steve Taylor’s powerful effort deflected off Chris Stratton and left goalkeeper Sam Felgate wrong-footed.

However, they fought back and equalised in the 22nd minute, when Michael Palmer’s cross was headed home by Lewis Wood.

Six minutes later, Palmer was brought down but, for the first time this season, Mark Palmer missed from the spot.

Undeterred, Mark Palmer later burst forward before rifling home to give the Shrimpers a 2-1 lead.

His side passed the ball well and managed a spectacular third on the hour-mark, when Mark Palmer spied an opening and scored with a precise, angled shot just inside the far post.

Darren Roots’ perfect cross then picked out Wood, whose headed goal wrapped up a 4-1 victory.