Northampton's form has a back to front look about it at present as Colin Calderwood's men have taken twice as many points on their travels than in front of their home fans.
Darlington's early season momentum has been checked by a run which now sees them without a win in their last six matches, but David Hodgson was the more satisfied of the bosses.
Indeed, Darlington could have snatched all three points 13 minutes from time when Anthony Peacock cracked a left-foot shot against the underside of the crossbar, with the rebound running away from his team-mates. The former Middlesbrough player might have been the smallest on the field but he gave an example to the other 21 with his whole-hearted contribution.
Northampton's problem has been failing to cash in on early domination in home matches and they missed out with the games first four decent chances.
Top scorer Scott McGleish headed a long throw from David Hunt wide in the sixth minute and then, after David Rowson had miscued a decent chance wide and Eoin Jess saw his shot blocked by Simon Johnson, McGleish had another header well saved by Sam Russell.
Before the break Lee Harper was twice tested by long range efforts, with Adrian Webster almost deceiving him under the cross bar while Matty Appleby struck a crisp volley which Harper did well to catch and hold.
The introduction of Martin Smith early in the second half for his first appearance of the campaign following a knee injury briefly threatened to raise the tempo.
Smith had a goal bound shot blocked with only his second touch but when McGleish headed tamely once more at Russell and Ian Taylor hooked over an unguarded goal after Russell had punched weakly, Northampton knew it wasn't their day.