Former Swans forward Ollie McBurnie’s spot-kick and Regan Slater’s emphatic drive all but sealed the win for the Tigers in the first period.
But the end result could have been all so different if the Championship’s leading scorer had found his scoring boots.
Vitor Matos’ side would generally be wasteful after dominating the contest with Vipotnik guilty of twice guiding Josh Tymon crosses wide of the far post when he seemed certain to find the target.
Captain Ben Cabango would also head over when well-placed in a busy first period.
The Welsh side would get a deserved route back into the game as they improved in the second half with Wales forward Liam Cullen heading home Tymon’s corner.
The Swans, though, would not be able to force an equaliser despite being on top for large periods to share the spoils as it finished being a fifth reverse in six games on the road for the Portuguese boss.
Vipotnik’s misses coming as a shock, given his fine form in front of goal this season.
“It can happen,” said Matos, speaking after the game.
“There is no-one more unhappy than him at the moment.
“Vipi [Zan Vipotnik] has given and gives so much to us that it’s about a moment not only goals, but in terms of hard work , and we are really pleased to have him.
“He didn’t score. He scored so many before, so there’s no one more unhappy than him at this moment. He missed these ones, but for sure, he will score more
“I think most important, and I said when he scores as well, is what he offers to us in terms of the team – how we press, how we push the team up, how we he puts his heart in everything he does.
“He knows he has all the tools to get over that and score again.
“That is what happens in this game. There are a lot of hurdles in life. Today was one, and we need to keep pushing,
“A game of two halves, it’s about efficiency. Football is about that, about creating chances as well and scoring them.
“Unfortunately, we didn’t and that, I would say, can summarise a little bit the game.”
[Lead image: Swansea City FC]
