Ethan's Star-Making Project Continues to Shine in League Two
Ethan's star-making mission is in full swing in League Two, and his determination to elevate Charlie Austin into the division's brightest star is starting to pay dividends. Gao hopes the striker's performances will attract attention from top-tier clubs with deep pockets and big ambitions.
On February 11th, in the 35th round of League Two, Luton Town hosted Gillingham at Kenilworth Road. With fixture congestion increasing in the latter half of the season, Ethan opted for squad rotation, resting key players to maintain fitness across the campaign.
The result? A footballing masterclass. Luton demolished Gillingham 5-0 at home in a performance that was dominant from start to finish. From the first whistle, Luton controlled possession and tempo, suffocating Gillingham's attacking efforts. The visitors barely had a sniff at goal, while Luton's aggressive pressing and swift transitions overwhelmed them.
As The Hatbuyer match report succinctly put it:
"This was a clash between a Premier League-calibre side and a mid-table League Two team."
While Ethan handed opportunities to several fringe players across all lines—attack, midfield, and defense—the standout performer was undoubtedly Hassan Ali. The 17-year-old, typically a defensive midfielder, was surprisingly deployed in a more advanced role as an attacking midfielder. Despite being a natural ball-winner, Gao used Hassan to press high up the pitch—right near the edge of Gillingham's box.
The tactic, borrowed from the José Mourinho playbook, paid off spectacularly. Hassan intercepted the ball on three separate occasions in dangerous areas, each leading directly to Luton goals. His front-foot defending and relentless energy broke Gillingham's build-up play before it even began. With the visitors constantly on the back foot, their defensive structure collapsed.
Up front, Charlie Austin—partnered with Matt Schmidt—continued his rich vein of form, bagging a brace and cementing his status as one of the league's most lethal finishers.
Luton's Relentless Charge Up the Table
Luton's momentum showed no signs of slowing. In Round 36, they edged past Exeter City with a 2-1 home win. Charlie Austin once again found the back of the net, while Jamie Vardy, the team's other in-form striker, sealed the three points with a late goal.
Since a shock defeat to Cheltenham Town in Round 22, Luton have embarked on a blistering run, stringing together 14 consecutive league victories. Even more remarkable is that despite being docked 30 points earlier in the season, they've accumulated 103 points from 36 games—a staggering feat.
The juggernaut rolled on in Round 37, as Ethan's side dispatched Notts County. With the top of the table in sight, whispers of a historic achievement began to circulate: could Luton win League Two despite their massive points deduction?
By Round 41, Luton's form reached mythic proportions. From Rounds 38 to 41, they notched up five more wins, extending their streak to 19 victories in a row. They now sit just one point behind league leaders Wycombe Wanderers.
A potential title decider looms in Round 43, when Luton face Wycombe directly. Given current form, there's every chance Luton could leapfrog them even before the head-to-head clash.
Fixture Twist: FA Cup Disruption
Wycombe may have caught a break. Due to Luton's FA Cup semi-final showdown against Arsenal at Wembley on April 19th, their Round 42 fixture—an away trip to Barnet—has been postponed. This scheduling shift means Wycombe could temporarily extend their lead to four points by playing their game in hand earlier.
But the pressure is mounting...
Tavern Cheers as Wycombe Slip Up
Back in the local tavern frequented by Ethan and Luton fans, glasses were raised in jubilation. The pub had just shown Wycombe Wanderers' Round 42 clash against Bournemouth, and the result brought joy to every Luton supporter.
Despite being top of the table, Wycombe failed to break down the "Cherries" and were held to a 0-0 draw. The dropped points mean Luton's path to an extraordinary title—despite their 30-point deduction—is still very much alive.
Luton Town now sits just two points behind league leaders Welcombe Rangers—with a game in hand. Given the team's current form, it's fair to say they've got one hand on the League Two title!
"We've won the title, haven't we, boss?!"
The tavern owner, Alexander, stumbled over with a half-empty glass, trailing behind a drunken regular. The pub fell silent—everyone eager for confirmation from the man at the helm.
"Start planning the victory parade, Alexander!"
Ethan didn't hold back. At this point in the season, Luton Town were as good as champions.
The pub erupted. Pints were raised, glasses clinked, and cheers rang out. This season had been nothing short of magical.
From the despair of a rocky start to the euphoria of a title charge—Luton's rise had given their fans a season to remember.
"When are you off to Wembley?!" Alexander asked in a hushed tone, leaning in close.
"Trying to sneak some intel, huh?" Ethan chuckled, eyeing the round-bellied barkeep as he sipped from his tiny glass.
"That's hardly a state secret, Ethan," Alexander said, chuckling nervously.
"Fair enough," Ethan shrugged, draining the rest of his drink. "But seriously—you need bigger glasses, Alex."
"That is the large one!" Alexander huffed. "You're the only madman who drinks whiskey like it's water!"
"Stop blaming your stinginess!" Ethan laughed, giving him a hearty slap on the shoulder as he stood up.
"We leave tomorrow morning!" he declared, heading toward the door. "Get ready for Wembley—we've got a war to win, lads!"
The pub roared behind him as he stepped out. April in England was finally warming up. A crisp breeze floated off the River Lea, which split the town of Luton in two. The cool air helped clear the fog of whiskey from his head.
Ethan pulled his coat tighter and strolled slowly along the riverside.
The title race had swung dramatically in their favor.
He'd expected to catch Welcombe Rangers by March, but to his surprise, they'd risen to the challenge—holding their form with an impressive run of wins, keeping their lead intact.
But come April, their form began to dip. That's when Luton struck.
The Rangers slipped up away from home. Now, if Luton could beat them in the next round, they'd leapfrog them into first place—snatching the top spot they'd held all season.
League Two champions?
For the fans, it would mean everything. But for Ethan?
In his heart, it barely stirred a ripple.
He looked up at the starlit sky before heading home, breathing in deeply.
For a man with his ambitions... this was just the beginning.