Aidy Boothroyd's men go into the game on the back of a 2-2 draw with Dagenham which could be interpreted two ways according to your point of view.
Visiting boss Wayne Burnett felt his side were 'hopeless' in the opening 25 minutes, during which time they conceded the opening goal and plenty more chances to the Cobblers.
And yet the Daggers went in at half-time with a 2-1 lead leaving Boothroyd at the end to praise his side for battling back after the break while lamenting defensive switch-offs.
Two late goals from Ian Henderson gave Rochdale a win at Cheltenham and the men from Spotland are now level on points with leaders Chesterfield.
"The form is good, but I'm looking at performances and I'm more than happy," manager Keith Hill told BBC Radio Manchester.