Despite having been on top for much of the game against their managerless opponents, the Cobblers looked as though they would have to settle for a point before Kelvin Langmead struck.
The result leaves Aidy Boothroyd's men on 40 points, 5 clear of the relegation zone and looking upwards rather than over their shoulders in League Two.
Boothroyd told the official club website after the game that his side deserved their victory and that he was pleased not only with the three points but with the clean sheet.
"We ground out the win," he said.
http://www.ntfc.co.uk/page/MatchReaction/0,,10425~2622373,00.html