A gritty display in Lancashire saw Chris Wilder's team score early through Chris Hackett and then defend stoutly for the remainder of the game to keep alive their survival hopes.
Wins for Wycombe and Portsmouth and a draw for Bristol Rovers means the Cobblers are still three points adrift of safety but they showed after last weekend's defeat against Bury that they will still give everything they have to remain in the Football League.
Burton Albion visit Sixfields next Saturday before a crucial Easter double-header against Wycombe and Portsmouth.
Manager Wilder spoke to the official club website after the game.