The Bluebirds were forced to dig deep against a robust Cobblers team at Sixfields, only securing the points when Chris Willock struck decisively in stoppage time to complete a 3-1 win.
For head coach Barry-Murphy, the manner of the success — rather than the margin — was what mattered most as the Bluebirds went back to the top of League One.
"We have to show different sides to our character," he said.
"We showed a clear sign of how resilient we can be and I am very proud of the players for that. This was a good test – and there will be more tests along the way."
READ MORE: Brian Barry-Murphy Commits to Cardiff City and Insists He’s Grateful to Bluebirds
The Irishman praised his team’s response to the challenges posed by previous back-to-back defeats.
"I'm so happy for our supporters, who have travelled so much with us over the last few weeks, that they got to enjoy a magnificent victory on the road," he said.
"I think we just had to show that we had the mentality and the ability to come to a stadium like this and play against a Northampton team who are very effective at what they do, and cope with it.
“The lads showed a really commendable attitude to do that."
Cardiff’s performance was all the more impressive given the setbacks they suffered during the game, with both Colwill brothers forced off.
Playmaker Rubin Colwill went down after just 20 minutes and left the ground on crutches.
Barry-Murphy admitted the initial signs were grim.
"On first glance it looks pretty serious," he said.
"He damaged his ankle ligaments. I think the nature of the way the injury occurred suggests it won't be a short-term injury."
“I think Rubin will be out for a period for sure – I don't want to speculate, because I don't know."
Colwill has been ever-present in the league this season and a driving force behind Cardiff’s rise to the top of League One.
There was at least more optimism regarding Joel Colwill, who scored Cardiff’s opener before being substituted with a knee wound.
"Joel's is a cut so he should be back pretty quickly," Barry-Murphy said.
Rubin Colwill will undergo a scan in the coming days to determine the full extent of the damage.
Cardiff return to action against Mansfield Town next weekend, hoping the determination that so impressed their head coach can help them navigate the weeks ahead without one of their most influential performers.
