Defoe's 64th-minute strike at the Abbey Stadium was his 10th goal in 10 consecutive games, breaking the record held jointly by John Aldridge and Wrexham veteran Kevin Russell.

The youngster, on loan from West Ham, now has Dixie Dean's all-time record of 12 goals in 12 successive matches in his sights.

Bournemouth made sure of the points with six minutes left to play as James Hayter headed home to make the score 2-0.

An inswinging Richard Hughes corner fooled the home defence and Hayter made no mistake from close range.

The visitors were reduced to 10 men when Wade Elliott was sent off for elbowing John Dreyer in the face after 27 minutes.

Cambridge had their chances through Ian Ashbee and Marc Joseph, while winger Tom Youngs caused constant problems for Sean O'Driscoll's men - although they were still jeered off the field by their angry supporters.

But the night belonged to hotshot Defoe and, if he can continue his rich vein of form, Bournemouth could yet make a bid for a place in the play-offs.

Even so, Bournemouth head coach Sean O'Driscoll did his best to play down Defoe's record-breaking feat.

Really happy

O'Driscoll said: "Jermaine is a great lad and he has been marvellous for us, but he realises football is a team game.

"In a way he has made a bit of a noose for himself because he will be expected to carry on scoring now in every match. But he is level headed.

"He knows that the away win, especially when we were reduced to 10 men, was more important for us than any record."

Defoe's team-mate Eddie Howe added: "We are all really happy for Jermaine.

"He deserves the record and he deserved to get it in this game because he never stopped working when we were down to 10 men.

"He missed a good chance early on but it was typical of him and he just kept on trying.

"He is never afraid to get into scoring chances, even if it means missing now and again."

Cambridge Utd: Marshall, Joseph, Duncan, Dreyer, Cowan, Youngs, Wanless, Ashbee, Oakes, Taylor, Connor. Subs: Mercer, Hansen, Russell, McNeil, Wilson.

Bournemouth: Stewart, Broadhurst, Tindall, Howe, Narada, Elliott, Hughes, Carl Fletcher, Jorgensen, Steve Fletcher, Defoe. Subs: Raynor, Hayter, Day, Smith, Keeler.

Referee: B Jordan (Tring)