Although the result made it 19 games unbeaten for Scunthorpe it was the Cobblers who went home the happier after recovering from the twin blows of going a goal behind and seeing Ricky Ravenhill sent off to earn a vital point from Zander Diamond's header.
"Northampton deserve a lot of credit," Wilcox told the press after the game.
"They are at the wrong end of the table and they continue to put in an excellent shift in for the manager week in week out."
After stretching their unbeaten run to four games there were only two downsides to the day for Town fans, Ravenhill's dismissal and wins at the bottom for Accrington (against leaders Chesterfield) and Wycombe Wanderers.
Tuesday night's opponents Exeter City gained a crucial late draw at home to Dagenham & Redbridge to stay six points clear of Northampton.
"I'm delighted with the result, with the attitude of my players and it's onwards and upwards," said Wilder after the game.