was halted on 10 April with a 1–1 draw away to Tamworth, which saw the club fall to four points behind leaders Stevenage. However, Luton's scoring form soon returned in a 6–3 home win against Histon three days later – a game that marked Tom Craddock's first senior hat-trick. A 0–0 home draw on 17 April with Altrincham, coupled with Stevenage's victory over Kidderminster that led to them being crowned as Conference Premier champions, meant that Luton's only hope of promotion was now through the play-offs. The last league game of the season on 24 April resulted in a 1–1 draw with play-off rivals Rushden & Diamonds, which meant Luton ended the season with a second-place finish. Results elsewhere left Luton to play York City in the two-legged play-off semi-final on 29 April and 3 May. Luton lost the first leg at Bootham Crescent 1–0, an 89th-minute goal from Richard Brodie leaving them having to win the return game to have any chance of playing in the final. May Another 1–0 defeat in the home leg knocked Luton out of the play-offs, condemning them to at least another season in the Conference Premier. The clear out of players began on 7 May as Luton prepared for their second season in the division. Four players – Steve Basham, Shane Gore, Asa Hall and Rossi Jarvis – were released from their contracts, while a further four – Gavin Caines, Liam Hatch, Craig Nelthorpe and Mark Nwokeji – left the club as their loan period had ended. As well as the changes to playing staff, the coaching staff were also subject to restructuring in the wake of the season ending. Chief scout Gary Brabin was promoted to the role of assistant manager, replacing Alan Neilson. Neilson was instead appointed to a coaching and youth development role, while first-team coach Kevin Watson left the club. Luton made their first signing of the season on 19 May, with Cambridge United defender Dan Gleeson making the move to Kenilworth Road on a free transfer. Goalkeeper and former loanee Kevin Pilkington signed a permanent one-year contract a day later, having been released from Notts County. Striker Danny Crow, who had finished the season as Cambridge United's top scorer, signed on a free transfer on 21 May, penning a two-year contract. Luton were also boosted by Player of the Year George Pilkington and 18-goal striker Kevin Gallen signing