 During the early 1950s , one of Luton 's greatest sides emerged under manager Dally Duncan . The team included Gordon Turner , who went on to become Luton 's all @-@ time top goalscorer , Bob Morton , who holds the record for the most club appearances , and Syd Owen , an England international . During this period , Luton sides also featured two England international goalkeepers , Ron Baynham and Bernard <unk> , as well as Irish internationals Seamus Dunne , Tom Aherne and George Cummins . This team reached the top flight for the first time in 1955 – 56 , after finishing the season in second place behind Birmingham City on goal average . A few years of success followed , including an FA Cup Final appearance against Nottingham Forest in 1958 – 59 ; at the end of the season , Owen was voted FWA Footballer of the Year . However , the club was relegated the following season and , by 1964 – 65 , was playing in the fourth tier . 
