Aidy Boothroyd's side stopped a run of defeats to ensure that the manager achieved the task assigned to him when succeeding Gary Johnson at Sixfields late last year.
A point at Edgar Street means that hosts Hereford, who occupy the final relegation place, cannot now catch the Cobblers with two games remaining.
Having been assured of a 'top-six' budget for next season the work starts now for Boothroyd to make the changes he clearly feels his squad need if they are to challenge at the right end of the table.
Match report and reaction to follow on Cobblers Mad.