The Colts were soundly beaten by a well-organised and lively Highworth side, who secured the spoils thanks to two goals in each half.
There had been little to choose between the sides in their five close encounters over the past couple of years but that was not the case on this occasion, even though the final scoreline was perhaps slightly harsh on the visitors.
The Whites were largely toothless going forward, drawing a blank for the second time in three Division 1 outings this term, were far too static across the pitch and made too many poor decisions, coughing up possession time and again.
They actually made the better start, with George and Toby threatening the Highworth goal in the opening five minutes, but the tide quickly turned and Bradley, who performed manfully against a tall striker, Josh and Callum worked hard to keep the home side at bay.
Colts had their moments while the deadlock remained, however, and Matthew curled a free-kick just past the far post, while Brandon H tested the keeper from the edge of the box.
In midfield, Luke S won plenty in the air and Liam F showed some decent touches when he found space to play, but the Colts fell a goal behind when a mistake on the left led to a cross that was headed home from close range.
The opener dented their confidence, as has been the case too often in recent months, and it was soon 2-0 when the Colts failed to clear a corner and, despite a brilliant point-blank save from Max, Highworth forced the ball in from the resulting melee.
Highworth defended their advantage well after the break and driving runs from Tom and Matthew were met with resistance from a solid back-line. The visitors failed to fashion enough clear-cut chances through a lack of movement and vision in the final third and the keeper was equal to anything thrown at him from range.
The outcome was put beyond doubt when a long punt forward caught out the Colts defence and a shot from outside the box beat Max with the aid of a post. A fourth goal followed, again from distance, while George was denied a consolation at the other end by an offside flag.
Better focus in training and pre-match is required if the Colts are to turn their undoubted potential into points on a Sunday. Their trip to Highworth offered another painful reminder of the price any team pays for weak performances in what is always a mightily competitive top division.