Northampton are only three points behind Exeter City at the bottom of League Two and with a game in hand on their Tuesday night opponents after a 1-0 victory at St James’ Park.
Ian Morris netted the crucial goal on 56 minutes, only his second of the season and shortly after his introduction as a substitute, as Town were rewarded for another positive away performance in which they created the majority of the clear-cut chances.
Chris Wilder's side are now one of the form teams in League Two after taking eleven points from a possible fifteen and have made a host of teams above them in the table take a nervous look over their shoulders.
One of those of sides are Mansfield, five points above Town but having played a game more and the Stags are the visitors to Sixfields on Saturday.