Chris Wilder included five new signings in his starting XI but it was the surprise inclusion of John-Joe O'Toole that proved to be the key decision of the day.
The midfielder looked to have no future as a Cobbler just a few weeks ago but netted the only goal of the game against his former club to turn the visitor's superiority into a valuable three points.
Adam Smith got the nod in goal over Ryan Clarke and was part of a defence that kept a clean sheet while Marc Richards, despite not scoring, showed that he will again be a key man for Town this season.
Speaking afterwards, Wilder felt his side created the clearer chances against opponents back in the Football League after a season in the Conference.
Blackpool are next for the Cobblers, at Sixfields in the League Cup on Tuesday night while Northampton have been drawn at home in the Johnstone's Paint Trophy and will play Colchester United in the week commencing 31 August.