The draw has put paid to the Hatters' hopes of a miracle escape and edges the Cobblers closer to survival themselves.
County got off to the worst possible start, conceding a goal within two minutes when Guillem Bauza tapped in a Leon McKenzie cross.
The Hatters equalised mid-way through the half when Paul Rodgers was forced to put into his own net under pressure from Adam Griffin after a cross by David Pool.
Both sides created a number of chances before it appeared to be curtains for County when Bauza was tripped in the area by Andy Halls, Shaun Harrad dispatching the penalty.
A fantastic 40-yard drive by Greg Tansey with two minutes left gave County hope that the miracle could happen, but the Cobblers held on for the draw.
Source: PA
Source: PA