Marc Richards scored the only goal of the game at Sixfields, manager Chris Wilder admitting afterwards that his side were far from their best.
Take a step back, however, and there are positive signs everywhere you look.
Most importantly, the club are under new ownership and the very real threat to their existence has been lifted.
Kelvin Thomas seems keen to build bridges with supporters and harness the energy that was unleashed by the takeover when fans rallied to the cause to try and save their team.
During that process, Wilder’s squad turned in a series of excellent performances despite the fact that the uncertainty had extended to them with salaries not being paid. The win at Coventry in particular brought players and supporters together in a way that happens only rarely in football.
The Accrington victory, in front of a healthy 5,269 crowd, means Northampton have suffered just one defeat in twelve games in all competitions and are very well-placed to mount a promotion challenge in 2016.
Wilder’s reputation has grown throughout the last few months and it was no surprise to see him linked with other jobs during the financial crisis at Sixfields.
He should now have some room in the January transfer window to reshuffle his squad slightly and strengthen in areas that he feels are needed.