Swansea City climbed into the Championship's top 10 as Zan Vipotnik's contentious penalty proved the difference in a 2-1 victory at Queens Park Rangers.

Ronald gave Swansea the lead as he capitalised on a defensive error to score for the first time in 41 appearances after only two minutes at Loftus Road.

Swansea always seemed the more likely winners from that point on, and the contest looked all but over when Championship top scorer Vipotnik claimed his 22nd league goal of the season from the spot 10 minutes from time.

The penalty was awarded after Rangers defender Tylon Smith chopped down Eom Jisung, yet the contact appeared to occur just outside the area.

QPR had been second best for long spells, but set up a tense climax when Paul Smyth's drive was pushed on to the bar and Rhys Norrington-Davies headed in the rebound from a couple of yards out.

But Swansea held on to claim what ultimately was a somewhat fortuitous victory given the nature of their winner.

Vitor Matos' side rise to 10th having registered successive league away wins for the first time in a year, while Rangers drop to 12th having seen their winless run stretched to four matches.

This was a forgettable way to go out for Steve Cook, after it was announced on the eve of the game that the veteran defender is to leave QPR when his contract expires this summer.

Former Premier League player Cook was given the armband as he made his 100th – and more than likely final - appearance in three seasons at Rangers, but it was his early mix-up with Norrington-Davies which allowed Ronald to stroke Swansea in front from 12 yards.

Rangers had their moments in the first half, with Rayan Kolli shooting across the face before Isaac Hayden's long-ranger drew a decent save from Swansea goalkeeper Lawrence Vigouroux.

Yet the Swans ought to have been 2-0 up before half-time, as Sam Parker's drive was spilled by Joe Walsh and Adam Idah hit the rebound at the Rangers keeper when a cuter finish was required.

Swansea's greater energy and purpose saw them dominate much of the second period, with Goncalo Franco, Leo Walta and Josh Tymon all drawing saves from Walsh and Liam Cullen also going close.

Vipotnik – who had begun on the bench as Matos rotated in a three-game week – then swept home in typically cool fashion to take another step towards claiming the Championship golden boot.

While Rangers could feel aggrieved over the penalty award, Julien Stephan's team could have few complaints over the result on a night when they stumbled and Swansea impressed.

QPR head coach Julien Stephan:

"I think the way we concede the first goal after two minutes – we gave them the goal – it has an impact on how we played in the first half. We didn't play enough forward, we didn't take enough risk with the first pass.

"It was better in the second part of the game. Of course the penalty had a huge impact. It's unbelievable to concede a penalty like this – I don't know how it's possible.

"But I want to highlight the reaction of the players after this. Even with the decision, the second goal conceded, they tried to give everything to score one goal and the second one."

Swansea head coach Vitor Matos:

"We started really well, dictating with the tempo we wanted with the ball and with the pressing as well. It was quite good to see.

"Queens Park Rangers are a good team with good organisation who use the width of the pitch really well, so there was a lot of effort from us, really nice to see, and it was a well-deserved win."

On the penalty decision:

"It was outside the box, not a penalty."