The Cobblers and the Imps could yet renew hostilities in the end of season Division Three play-offs after both sides protected lengthy unbeaten League runs.
Lincoln substitute Simon Yeo was the man chiefly responsible for making that happen. Yeo dismayed the biggest League gate of the season at Sixfields when he equalised six minutes from time, a feat he managed on Saturday in the victory over Swansea and which he has now managed seven times this season.
Super-sub Yeo turned in a cross from Stockport loan man Kevin Ellison at the near post. It cancelled out the lead given to Northampton by Paul Trollope, the Welsh international volleying a sweet left-foot shot past Alan Marriott two minutes before the break.
Northampton boss Colin Calderwood said: "To see the huge disappointment for our crowd is actually a good sign because it shows the high standards we have set ourselves after winning eight home league matches on the trot." He added: "I look at it as a point gained after seeing the other results. Full credit to Lincoln who have done their job and we didn't quite see it out." Opposite number Keith Alexander said: "In the first half we perhaps weren't the better side, but we had the better chances and I thought we deserved at least a point on our second half performance." Both sides saw shots crash against the woodwork, with Ben Sedgemore firing a rising 56th minute drive which rebounded back into play only for Marcus Richardson to then see his header saved by Lee Harper.
15 minutes from time, Martin Smith delivered a sweet left-footed free-kick which came back off the bar only for Derek Asamoah to see his pot shot tipped over by Marriott, a save which Calderwood pinpointed as a turning point.
These sides have had a habit of drawing their league meetings - this was the ninth draw in their last 14 meetings and both appear on course for a place in the end of season eliminators.