Wellington Phoenix goalkeeper Mark Paston is thriving as the first choice this season. Last term, Paston was fighting it out with current Melbourne Victory glovesman Glen Moss but season 2009/10 is so far belonging to the 32-year old.

"The last couple of seasons have been tough. I played only nine games, half the season, last year, but still Mossy played the majority of the games," Paston said.

"It's nice to get out for the first two (matches this season) and hopefully keep playing well, keep my No.1 spot and stay fit as well.

"Every goalkeeper or player feels better as the games tick by. You do get into a rhythm, you start to feel good, your fitness is good and your form improves so it does help."

Paston said the addition of former Scotland and Celtic shot-stopper Jonathan Gould as goalkeeping coach had been invaluable, for both him and back-up Reece Crowther.

"He's a great acquisition for the club. It's great for me. It's great for Reece (Crowther). He's got a lot of knowledge and I can't speak highly enough of him," Paston added.

"A good goalkeeping coach will pick little things and it's all about little things. He can tell from your body language when you're playing he can tell how you feel from that and only good goalkeepers can do that.

"The little things like where your hands are, your feet. Goalkeeping is an art form where little things do matter. He picks up on them pretty quick. He's been there and done that so he understands."