The Lions had been knocked out of the Carling Cup by the Cobblers - who visit Premier League club Bolton as their reward on Tuesday night - but neither side looked like breaking the deadlock in this dreadful affair.
Northampton had to make their first team changes of the season, giving a starting debut to Abdul Osman in midfield.
But the man who nearly made the difference was Giles Coke, who had six attempts on goal but only one was on target.
Coke nearly set the crowd alight in the 19th minute when he ran half the length of the field and it was only a last-ditch challenge by Zak Whitbread which took the sting off his shot and saved the Lions from going behind.
At the other end, Ahmet Brkovic turned sharply and fired in an effort from the edge of the box after 32 minutes but the ball flashed inches wide.
Northampton threatened again when Osman teed up Luke Guttridge but his shot went wide from 25 yards.
The second half was little better, although Coke volleyed over from 15 yards after Brkovic lost possession when facing his own goal.
At the other end, Tony Craig, excelling in his new midfield role, sent in a corner which was met by Whitbread only to be blocked close to the line.
Northampton's only other attempt arrived in the 86th minute when Mark Little - who is back at Sixfields on a month's loan - sent in a dipping cross which David Forde had to tip over the crossbar.