Not the official mascot
That earlier start of 45 minutes, to attract a 'family' audience, might affect any Shrimper thinking of jumping on a train after work but here's the best there is.
A day return directly to Milton Keynes will cost £14 and remember you have to get a bus or cab onwards to stadium:mk so give yourself some extra time from the station.
There are plenty of services from London Euston must be settled on the evening but should end about 20.50.
REMEMBER TO BUY A VIRGIN TRAINS RETURN from Euston, not London Midland, as there are far more return trains after the match and Virgin is usually non-stop while the LM service stops at every horrible station along the route!
From Southend you need to get a train no later than 15.30 and will get back at a decent time as long as the match is decided in normal time.
As a return is £36 from central Southend it's best to buy a travelcard and a day return at Euston or online.
To check services and fares go here: www.virgintrains.co.uk
BUSES
You need the 7 and 32 buses that go past the stadium from Milton Keynes Central which is around four miles away. There is a taxi rank outside the station, see cab link below.
You could stay on the train to Bletchley, if it stops thre, which is around about two miles away from the stadium.
There is a taxi rank outside otherwise you can embark on the 20-25 minute walk to the stadium.
Turn left immediately you come out of the station building and continue to and down the steps. At the bottom of the steps turn left go under the railway bridge. At the roundabout by the Park pub turn left onto Saxon Street. Keep straight on this road and you will eventually reach the stadium.
However you will need to cross over to the other side, as there is only one path beside it. You will pass Bletchley Bus Station on your right and then the Enigma Pub. Go straight across the double mini roundabout following signs for the A5 and you will see the stadium over on your left. (See map below.)
TAXIS
A cab from MK Central costs around £10 to the ground, from Bletchley a touch cheaper. So if four of you get together not much more than the bus anyway.