James Collins scored the Cobblers 82nd and final league goal of a superb campaign that saw them crowned champions with weeks to spare over their rivals.
Chris Wilder's side, who will be joined in League One by his former club Oxford United after a dramatic final day on Saturday, end the season on a 24-match unbeaten league run.
They will take inspiration from how last season's champions, Burton Albion, have approached life at a higher level and will be aiming high once again.