Celtic had over 30 shots in the game, but could only test the Alloa ‘keeper Neil Parry on several occasions and were very wasteful in front of goal.
Tom Rogic, Dembele and Forrest all had opportunities from good positions to at least test Parry, but couldn’t even hit the target.
Kieran Tierney came the closest to scoring in the opening 45 minutes after volleying the ball from the corner of the box off the crossbar.
One performance under the spotlight for Celtic was Craig Gordon’s, and the ‘keeper was lucky to stay on the field after a woeful Kung Fu style challenge outside the box.
Rogic, Scott Brown and half-time substitute Scott Sinclair all had great chances in the second-half but couldn’t hit the back of the net.
Forrest had a good effort on goal saved on 80 minutes, but two minutes later the winger broke down the wing again and ran across the edge of the area before firing the ball into the bottom corner.
Dembele scored his eighth of the season on 89 minutes to confirm Celtic’s place in tomorrow’s draw with a good solo run and a thumping effort into the top right corner.
Here are the player ratings from tonight’s game.
Craig Gordon 5.5/10
One shot to save which he did so comfortably. Shocking challenge after flying outside the box to meet the ball and was lucky he wasn’t sent off. Saved a headed effort on goal moments later.
Mikael Lustig 6.5/10
Made good overlapping runs down the right wing and found Dembele in the box who failed to score from both attempts.
Kolo Toure 6.5/10
Strong, assured and composed in defence comfortably dealing with any threat and winning tackles in a typical no-nonsense fashion.
Jozo Simunovic 6.5/10
Read the play well and intercepted the ball to win back possession for Celtic. Solid carrying the ball and passing out from the back. Carried the ball well up the field but his attempt on goal was awful.
Kieran Tierney 7/10
Got down the wing well and showed great positivity getting forward. Hit a cracking volleyed effort off the crossbar from the corner of the 18-yard box.
Scott Brown 6/10
Sat back and allowed Armstrong and Rogic to push forward to create chances and open up the Alloa defence. Free header inside the box and should score.
Stuart Armstrong 6/10
Good start to the game and whipped in several dangerous set pieces. Was in and out of the game and didn’t have that much impact on it.
Tom Rogic 5/10
Five wasteful attempts on goal in the opening 45 minutes and should have got them all on target to test the ‘keeper. His poor night in front of goal continued as he struggled to create chances for others to have a go.
Patrick Roberts 5/10
Linked up well with Lustig and Dembele down the right side but couldn’t cause any problems for former Celtic defender Calum Waters problems. Replaced at half-time.
James Forrest 7/10
Good aggressive run at the defence inside the opening minute and picked out Rogic inside the box. Great run around the defence and found Dembele who couldn’t score. Big chance to give Celtic the lead but hit it wide with the outside of his foot.
Moussa Dembele 6.5/10
At least four efforts on goal in the first-half game none of which he tested the ‘keeper with. Should have scored on a counter-attack midway through the second half. Got his goal in the final minute of the game with a terrific solo run and finish after a frustrating night.
Scott Sinclair 5/10
Replaced Roberts at half-time to inject some intensity into the game. Almost made an instant impact with a great run off the left wing and shot that went just wide. Blazed a shot horribly over the bar from 12-yards.
Ryan Christie 6/10
Came on for Simunovic with 20 minutes remaining in the game. Showed purpose on the ball and was aggressive in his attempts to win the ball back. Showed terrific footwork to get away from three Alloa players on the left side. Fantastic pass to Forrest’s for the opening goal of the game.
Erik Sviatchenko N/A
Came on for Rogic with just over five minutes remaining as Rodgers looked to shut up shop.