Northampton were denied by the woodwork at the brilliance of County goalkeeper Wayne Henderson.
Henderson, back from duty with the Republic of Ireland Under 21s, pulled off a stunning second half save from David Galbraith and striker Eric Sabin as the visitors buckled but refused to cave in.
Luck was against the Cobblers who have now drawn their last three home matches and failed to win any of their last six in the league..
Lee Williamson was making his debut for the home side after signing from Mansfield in the week and he twice saw efforts strike the crossbar.
In the 36th minute his first-time shot cannoned against the underside of the bar after he had been teed up by Josh Low and it was the same story 13 minutes from time when he scooped a shot up from around the penalty area only to see Henderson tip the ball on to the crossbar.
Northampton must have known it wasn't their day when Skipper Ashley Westwood sent a glancing header from a Galbraith free-kick against the post three minutes from time.
The first half was a poor affair by comparison, although Marc Richards sent an early right-foot effort just inches wide and the same player should have done better in the 19th minute after being released by Low.
County still had a couple of changes to nick victory with Tony Scully racing clear in the 66th minute as the home defence slept but he poked his shot well wide of the target.