BERLIN. Apr 3: Hertha Berlin's reserve team were Thursday savouring a trend Tor German foot-

ball underdogs to come from lower and lower origins, reports AFP

Last year's German Cup was won by a Second Division side, Hanover 96, who enjoyed a moment of glory In this season's European Cup Winners’ Cup. But even they have been outdone by Hertha who beat Chemnitz 2-1 on Wednesday to reach this year's domestic cup final.

The Berlin team are amateurs. as well as reserves to the Hertha side which performs unimpressively in the Bundesliga Second Division. Banned from using professionals, they have still claimed some Impressive scalps on the way to the final.

Before Chemnitz they beat cup holders Hanover 96 and First Division Nuremberg.

We have been dreaming of the final, but we have to admit we were a bit lucky,” said coach Jochem Ziegert, who added that team celebrations would be allowed to go on until the weekend. Then it is back to the regional amateur league.

In front of 56,000 fans, the latest chapter of the Amateurs' fairytale started four minutes

into Wednesday night when 18-year-old Carsten Ramelow put Hertha ahead. Sweeper Sven Meyer headed the second goal. Though Chemnitz pulled one goal back from a Steffan Heidrich penalty, Berlin Gritted their teeth to reach the June 12 final against First Division Bayer Leverkusen.

Leverkusen have already beaten the Hertha Berlin first team in the quarter-finals of the competition.

Zicgert commented: "We had our backs to the wall In the second half, and Chemnitz always looked dangerous. But we were able to hold on."

All Berlin was celebrating the unlikely heroes on Thursday. Ramelow, scorer of the first goal which has made him the hero of the night, said: "Anything Is possible In the final."

Amateur teams can compete in the German Cup so long as they do not field a player with a professional contract

A victory in the final would throw the Hertha reserves into the spotlight of next season's European Cup Winners' Cup against the cream of the contl-■ nenfs professional sides.

If the dream goes that far.

• the German Football Federation might be persuaded to let Berlin use some professionals from the first team.

Leverkusen, who made It through to the final on Tuesday by beating Eintracht Frankfurt 3-0, are taking the Berlin threat seriously. Leverkusen coach Reiner Clamund watched Hertha's match and said; "Berlin are at the peak of form. They should not be underestimated . "

In last season s cup final. Hanover 96 beat Werder Bremen, holders of the European Cup Winners' Cup. Bremen got their revenge In the first round of this season s European tournament when the two teams were drawn against each other.