Going into the game as the bottom club in the Football League, Northampton restricted their high-flying opponents to only a handful of chances as Aidy Boothroyd's reshuffled side showed plenty of resilience.
Town remain at the foot of League Two but will take heart from the way they bounced back from defeat at Hartlepool on Saturday, forcing a host of corners in a bid to take all three points.
Fellow strugglers Accrington Stanley won their Lancashire derby against Fleetwood on Tuesday night and now come to Sixfields at the weekend for a crucial game.
Update: Chesterfield assistant manager Leam Richardson spoke to the press after the game and aimed a dig at the Cobblers, saying: "It's tough to pay for football now - people pay to come to watch an entertaining game.
"I feel for the supporters because we're coming up against a few people who don't want to play."
His words won't worry Aidy Boothroyd unduly, the Town boss hailed a 'near-perfect' away display from his side.