Northampton's 10-game Sky Bet League Two winning run came to an end as they drew 0-0 at struggling Hartlepool.
Chris Wilder's league leaders, expected to extend their streak against a side sitting fourth-bottom, were not at the races in a drab encounter at Victoria Park.
The anticipated gulf between the sides did not show during a poor opening half, with Pools shading proceedings.
Craig Hignett's men could have entered the break ahead, only for Nathan Thomas to send a back-post header over the crossbar after meeting Luke James' deep cross.
The second period followed a similar pattern as Hartlepool, led by James and Jake Gray, looked threatening.
Yet opportunities continued to prove few and far between for either team, Trevor Carson easily saving from James Collins midway through the half.
Northampton pushed forward in search of a winner as the full-time whistle drew closer, but Pools showed great discipline to keep their ambitions in check.
The upshot was an unexpected draw that leaves Hartlepool two points above the drop zone with games in hand.