Garforth slipped to their first defeat of 2025, but returned home wondering what might have been.
Auckland went ahead through a JJ Bartliff goal on 18 minutes, leaving the Miners rueing some missed gilt-edged opportunities early on.
Jay Davis fizzed a shot narrowly wide, before Sam Cable found himself the recipient of poor defensive play.
The Garforth striker robbed a defender and advanced into the box. Credit to goalkeeper Jack Norton for racing off his line, but the ball was never fully under control and the chance was snuffed out.
Davis struck another powerful shot that could only be scooped into the air by Norton. Cable looked to head the ball into the empty net, but saw it float agonisingly just over the bar.
Bartliff made the most of his chance. Taking a corner kick down just inside the box, he picked out the far corner to give his side the match winning goal.
Harry Flatters made an outstanding save just before the break, giving Paul Marshalls side hope of a seond half recovery.
Substitute Max Bauer could have levelled the scores when he was played in on goal early in the second half, but his shot was dragged just wide.
The last big chance of the game fell Garforths' way after Sam Barker closed down a defender and slotted the ball into the path of Bauer with just Norton to beat. The Bishops' stopper once again came out on top, keeping a clean sheet and earning his side three points.
Garforth are next in action at home to Grimsby Borough on Saturday 15th February, 3pm kick off.