Charlie Warren’s fifth-minute opener looked set to earn John Doolan’s side all three points and extend their impressive run with another victory, but Elliott List struck in the 92nd minute to break Stanley hearts.

The result nevertheless extended the Reds’ unbeaten run in Sky Bet League Two to eight matches.

Doolan made two changes to his starting line-up, bringing in Farrend Rawson and Alex Henderson with Connor O’Brien and leading scorer Josh Woods ruled out through injury.

There was also a welcome return to the bench for Shaun Whalley, who had been sidelined since early September.

Former Stanley defender and 2018 League Two title winner Janoi Donacien lined up for Northampton.

The Reds started brightly and Aidan Borland tested Zach Jeacock from distance after four minutes before the breakthrough arrived just 60 seconds later.

Tyler Walton delivered a cross into the box and on-loan Bolton Wanderers striker Warren slid in at the far post to register his fourth league goal and fifth in all competitions.

Stanley continued to dominate, with David Tutonda seeing an effort cleared off the line after 16 minutes before a goalmouth scramble almost produced a second moments later.

Devon Matthews headed over from Stefan Mols’ free-kick and Donald Love was also denied by a goal-line clearance on the half-hour.

Northampton made two changes at the interval and improved after the restart, although Josh Powell’s 51st-minute header was comfortably dealt with by Louie Moulden.

Stanley had a handball appeal waved away before Henderson’s cross picked out Love at the far post, only for him to guide his effort over.

The Cobblers gradually began to threaten and Owen Dale had a low strike deflected wide just after the hour.

Tom Moore made his return from injury when he replaced Rawson after 68 minutes, having not featured since the end of August.

Stanley still had opportunities to put the contest beyond their opponents.

Mols headed straight at Jeacock and Walton sent an effort inches wide as the Reds searched for the crucial second goal.

Whalley was introduced for the closing stages, but Northampton began to turn up the pressure.

Love cleared Tyrese Fornah’s effort off the line with seven minutes remaining before Matty Warhurst headed over.

Stanley appeared to have weathered the storm, only for Northampton to strike two minutes into added time.

List latched onto a ball over the top before firing past Moulden to rescue a point for the Cobblers and deny Stanley a victory their earlier chances had looked likely to secure.