The defeat has virtually sealed relegation for Cheltenham. They are 12 points from safety and Saturday's defeat was their 7th on the bounce.
Town have a fighting chance though, Crowe's goal, taken when he converted after Leon Constantine's initial shot was blocked, sees Northampton in 16th place, 4 points above the relegation zone and with a game or two in hand on some of the teams in the same area.
Next up Town face the MK Dons at Sixfields.