Match report finally here!

A much belated match report from the Hertha v Schalke game is finally here from the man we like the consider the best match reporter around, Chris Kemp.

Heiko Westermann's late goal kept Schalke's Bundesliga title chances alive with a tough away victory against desperate Hertha Berlin.

 Westermann scored the only goal of the game in the 87th minute to put Schalke level on points with Bayern Munich atop the league and securing at least second place.

Hertha, started the game virtually relegated, needing a minor miracle to stay in the Bundesliga. This ensued a tough performance, full of heart but lacking in quality.

The defeat extended their winless streak at home to 15 games, matching the record set by Tasmania Berlin in 1965-66.

The hosts had the first chance of the game as Theofanis Gekas shot over the crossbar from six yards after 15 minutes. It really was harder to miss than score! Hertha fighting but should have been celebrating.

Schalke striker Kevin Kuranyi missed two sitters directly after, heading over the bar before shooting directly at Lukasz Piszczek on a counter-attack. He could and should have put the game to bed. Hertha still fighting.

After the break the guests came close forcing Berlin keeper Jaroslav Drobny into a fine save from Junmin Hao's shot from five yards. He really should have buried the chance to put his team in front. Hertha riding their luck at this point, they should be behind by at least 2 goals. The schalke fans are in full voice, barely stopping for breath. The atmosphere in the Olympiastadion at this point is truly electric.

Berlin remained determined to fight to the end to stay in the league but watched as Marcelo Bordon saved Cicero's shot on the line in the 67th minute and the rebound went to Gekas, who shot well wide. Gekas again the villain, judging on his performance from this game, he looks every inch a Bundesliga 2 player.

A minute later, Schalke keeper Manuel Neuer was forced to make a superb save from Hertha playmaker Raffael from five yards out.

Hao had another chance for Schalke with 18 minutes remaining but his 18-yarder went inches wide, much to the relief of the noisy Hertha fans.

Berlin continued to push forward but Schalke notched the winner with three minutes left. Vicente Sanchez crossed to Jefferson Farfan, whose shot was stopped by Drobny. But the rebound went to Westermann, who blasted home from six yards.

This was a cruel blow to Hertha. They fell behind Schalke in terms of skill and use of the ball, but more than matched them for determination and work rate. Hertha players dead on their feet, dejected and ultimately demoted. Hertha fans continued to sing for their team. In truth, relegation was on the cards for a large part of the season. A dire season, sprinkled with sporadic wins simply not enough to keep the capitals club in the Bundesliga.