james began the new season brightly, scoring for hartlepool united in a 5–0 thrashing of bradford city in the first round of the 2013–14 football league trophy on 3 september 2013. on 21 september 2013 he scored both goals in a 2–2 draw with bristol rovers. on 28 september 2013, he made it three goals in two games by scoring in a 3–1 defeat by oxford united. james scored his 10th league goal for hartlepool united in a 3–0 away win over exeter city on 12 october 2013. the following match he secured a league win for hartlepool united after scoring from long–range in a 1–0 win over plymouth argyle on 19 october 2013. james continued his prolific form in a 3–1 win over afc wimbledon on 22 october 2013, scoring his sixth league goal in as many matches and securing a fourth consecutive league victory for hartlepool united. hartlepool united's run of four wins in five matches (with eleven goals scored and only 3 conceded) did not go unnoticed and in october 2013 the club were given the double honour of having colin cooper named league two manager of the month whilst luke james was awarded league two player of the month by football league sponsors sky bet. the young forward maintained his impressive season when he scored twice in a 3–2 win over notts county in the first round of the 2013–14 fa cup on 9 november 2013.