The momentum built up by Chris Wilder's side was stopped in its tracks by struggling Carlisle United with the Cumbrians resolute in defence before netting two crucial goals in their fight against relegation.
That came just days after Town had edged past a similarly well-organised Tranmere Rovers by a single goal to nil and Wilder has admitted that the absence of leading marksman Marc Richards has not helped his men.
The Cobblers' attacking intentions will be tested to the full by a Bury side who have now kept clean sheets in five of their last six games following a midweek victory at York.
"You don’t get the amount of clean sheets that we are getting now through just luck, we are making it happen and the structure of the team is fantastic," said manager David Flitcroft afterwards.
Central defender Nathan Cameron did receive a tenth yellow card of the season in the York game and will miss the visit of the Cobblers.
Updated: One man who may be able to get the goals needed is Diego De Girolamo, who Northampton Town have secured on loan from Sheffield United on a deal until the end of the season.
The youngster has experienced League Two already this season from loan spells with York City.