Clarke, who has undertaken a complete overhaul of both the Saddlers squad and backroom since replacing Dean Keates in the dugout at Banks's Stadium, watched as captain James Clarke - who formed part of the manager's team at Bristol Rovers alongside Stuart Sinclair - headed home after thirteen minutes to ultimately earn all three points.
The manager went on to praise his team - including clean-sheet 'keeper Liam Roberts - for their determined display before reminding his squad that they will be back in training on Monday as focus will soon shift to next weekend's home clash with Forest Green Rovers.
Speaking via several forms of local media, the gaffer said; "It was an ugly, scruffy 1-0. The first game of the season, things take time to calm down. One thing you will learn from me is that I never get carried away.
"We will enjoy the win with the fans and the supporters. We had fantastic support. That was a thank-you to them. It was a scruffy game. Our keeper has had to pull out some good saves, some top saves.
"And that is what you need if you are going to win away from home in this league. I am really pleased with clean-sheet, really pleased with the effort and determination of the group. To not give anything away, it’s good game management."
Along with the often-criticised Liam Roberts, who made a couple of match-winning saves to deny the Cobblers an equaliser, centre-backs Dan Scarr and Mat Sadler also entered strong performances as the travelling Reds opened their campaign with a win.
Darrell Clarke however, refused to get carried away as he is keen to keep his players' feet on the ground, especially during such an early stage of the season.
Darrell added; "It’s one game - we have defended well in this particular game. But they have got in a couple of times, they have had a couple of opportunities. We will go in on Monday, analyse the good bits, the bad bits and then we will work towards the next game. We’ll enjoy this for a couple of days and then it’s back to work."