Sam Hoskins 23rd minute goal was enough to see off Chris Wilder's former club and end a difficult week on a positive note as Northampton battled through the dismissal of Jason Taylor just before half-time.
Wilder praised his team and the Sixfields supporters after a game which saw peaceful protests from fans who are keen to know more about the future direction of their club amidst ongoing takeover discussions.
The manager had delved once again into the loan market before the weekend and will have been delighted to see new loan signings Darnell Furlong and Shaun Brisley be part of a defence that kept an important clean sheet.
Both players are only due for an initial one-month stay with Town but, if they play their part in a more consistent run of results over the next few weeks, hopefully they can become longer-term fixtures at the club as the Cobblers seek a settled identity both on and off the pitch.
This coming weekend sees a trip to face Morecambe in League Two.