Northampton's 10-match winning run at Sixfields was ended by relegation threatened York City, who moved three points clear of the drop zone.
Speaking to BBC Radio Northampton after the game,, Aidy Bothroyd said: "We got what we deserved. We didn't play the conditions particularly well in the first half and they scored at a key time.
"The expectation level goes right up. Some of the players try too hard.
"We made daft decisions defensively and offensively. The pressure was on us and we didn't deal with it very well today.
"We will do all we can to get automatic promotion and if not, we'll do our best to get out of this league. Simple as that. But today was a reality check."