` play the field be a delightful series from the pen of kay mellor who give u the excellent and much darker ` band of gold . we again have a group of woman at the centre of the story and this time they be soccer player rather than prostitute . although issue like drug taking and infidelity and a shock family secret be include ` play the field be fairly light hearted and good natured and if you can not guess who win the climactic cup final well and i be not go to provide a spoiler . a a matter of fact i find the actual scene of lady play football the least convincing part of the show . the top grade cast be of great interest with two of the star of popular english comedy drama ` cold foot . james nesbitt and john thomson and appearing as well a a couple of face from the hilarious ` royle family plus the superb lesley sharp ( clock off and the full monty ) and melanie hill ( crocodile shoe ) and others . highly recommended .